CCM16120 - Enquiries: Information: Time limits for enquiries: The 'Enquiry window'

There are strict time limits on when an enquiry into someone鈥檚 tax credit entitlement can be opened. These time limits are usually referred to as the 鈥榚nquiry window鈥�.

An enquiry cannot be started:

  • before the window has opened, see CCM16130
  • after the window has closed, see CCM16140.

Once the enquiry has been started there is no statutory restriction on the length of time it can last, but the claimant has the right to ask us to close the enquiry, see CCM16090.

You can find more detailed guidance regarding the enquiry window at CCM12020. Details of the enquiry windows when there have been multiple awards are at CCM12090 and CCM12095.