Government publicity is failing to spread the message on imminent changes to the tax credit system, according to a Bradford-based financial expert.
David Warren, partner at chartered accountancy MGI Watson Buckle, said the upcoming changes are "passing largely unnoticed at present, despite some advertising by the Government.
He added: "At present, parents can claim both Children's Tax Credit and Working Family Tax Credit.
"In each case, the claim has been made directly to the Inland Revenue and then paid through tax system."
From April 6 a fresh claim will have to be made through the Inland Revenue.
Mr Warren said: "The new Child Tax Credit will be paid directly into the bank account of the main carer, which is expected to be the mother in most cases.
"The new Working Tax Credit will, as before, be dealt with through the taxation system.
"This is a fundamental shift in the way in which family friendly tax credits are administered, but when I mention it to clients and contacts I am getting a worrying number of blank looks.
"It appears that the publicity just isn't working, yet many families will be eligible to receive payments."
For further information visit www.inland revenue.gov.uk
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