Tax Credit Enquiry

[lexis200]

I'm really pleased it seems to be working out ok for you, even if it has/is causing stress at the moment. It sounds like the chap you spoke to was sensible, which is always a good start - you always dread getting the idiot who won't listen!

Good on your friend too for being willing to back you up on your information.

Originally Posted by blackambermay

Hi,
although I have never ever wished ill fate on anyone (not even my ex) I do so wish she gets what she deserves.

I suspect she'll get what she deserves pretty soon in the form of a call from her local (un)friendly tax man!

Wishing you the best!

Lexis

[Goldlady]

I would have thought that pocketing money from a business like a nursery where most people are claiming the money from the Government is a tad on the stupid side. She was bound to be caught sooner or later

[blackambermay]

That is true. This will be the third Ltd business she has run into the ground. My friend did some checks and her accounts are seriously overdue and she has been fined £500 and will be fined a further £1000 next January, and her returns are 3 mths overdue. I think it has got as serious as it can get for her. I don't understand why people do this I really don't.

[caz_cazzy]

my mate is on tax credit shes got kids and works 25 per week her boyfriend whos not the kids dad lives with her but shes hasnt told the tax credit office is she breaking the law ? i think she is but she seems to thinks she not .

[lexis200]

Hi caz

From the HMRC website -

When we work out your tax credit payments, we look at whether you're single or living with a partner. If you split up with a partner or a new partner moves in, your claim legally ends and you need to set up a new one.

If you are claiming tax credits and you split up with a partner or a new partner moves in, you must let us know within one month.

If you don't tell us about changes like this we might pay you too much. We'll usually ask you to pay back any overpayments and you may be charged a penalty.

If you're still able to get tax credits you'll need to make a new claim.

If a new partner has moved in, you'll need to make a new joint claim together. You'll need to fill in a claim form. You can get this by calling the Tax Credit Helpline.

Once we get your form we'll send you a new award notice telling you what tax credits you'll get from now on. Please check that your details are correct on the new award notice.

If you don't qualify for tax credits any more, your claim will end on the day you split up with your ex-partner or your new partner moved in. If we pay you any more tax credits after that date it'll count as an overpayment that you'll probably have to pay back.

Basically if she's now living as a couple but claiming as a single person, she needs to let them know. They do have a tendency to find these things out anyway sooner or later, so I'd say it's more a question of when, rather than if they find out.

If she's got access to the internet she can always use the benefit calculator on their site HM Revenue & Customs: Tax credits calculator to see what her new amount would be (if she's still entitled to it that is). If she then splits up with her partner she can still just change it back to a single person claim, so it's no biggie there either.

Btw, if the link above doesn't work she can just type 'benefits calculator' into Google and there'll be tons of results available that she can use.

Hope this helps!

Lexis200