Thanks Scotgal - do you genuinely believe it could be that straightforward with them? I was panicking as Citizens had me believing it was outright fraud and everything would be investigated , then possibly prosecution. I have no problem with any overpayment they can take whatever necessary - I was ready to give up right to all tax credits just for peace of mind, but that really would be a struggle with 4 kids. Do you know of anyone similar at all, who have dealt with this and end result being overpayment only? Your kind advice has been greatly appreciated.

Thanks for that, I have no doubt I will deal with it, just wanted to know best way forward really. Wondered whether best to go to local advice shop and get them to help with it all, hence why CAB and solicitors. To be honest, it was citizens who said was fraud and panicked me, making things much worse. I usually deal with everything head on, but when end result is unknown I am scared. If advice on here feels that it is unlikely that prison would be end result then I can either call myself or try advice shop?? Thanks again

I didnt actually tell SAAS - they only asked for a copy of the tax credit forms initially and I didnt think anything of it at time, till they wrote back asking for further details on partner, then I clicked and decided no more. I really do want to sort this out , hence why have been for legal advice, I've just got myself into a state thinking end result with be worst outcome and can hardly sleep or eat over it. Do others think that as mistakes go - this is on the smaller scale as opposed to someone who may be claiming JSA and working? According to solicitor they are bigger problems and more dishonest. Forgot to add, my partners wage goes through the normal way and everything else is paid correctly. Thanks again

Many thanks for that, I will keep an eye out in the other forum for replies. I genuinely think its fear of the unknown(outcome) thats causing me the upset.

First post - so please bear with me. I am self-employed - have been for years and was always the one to claim for WTC and CTC with partner who initially was self-employed too. He has been employed for approx 6/7 yrs now, however, I never changed the details with Tax credit people although I did make sure the declared money was near enough same as his actual wage. Its very possible there will be an overpayment however, I'm hoping it isnt massive and I accept my mistake and will take a reduced amount , not a problem. However, at this moment I havent yet informed them as after a meeting yesterday with Citizens (which made me much worse) and an appointment today with a solicitor ( he helped a little) I am still unsure how to go about this. The solicitor said honesty is best with them, but after having a look on the net I am terrified of what will happen - havent eaten or slept properly since Saturday and this is now Wednesday. I always knew about it - but genuinely thought as money was almost on a par it wasnt a problem. Main reasoning behind was I (stupidly) thought that if went through partners wage he would have been taxed on it and slightly worse off , therefore, left it going through our normal account with me as first named. I have convinced myself I will lose everything - kids, partner, and go to jail over this. The very thought of the word fraud terrifies me and I am a complete mess. Looking for some genuine advice,help or reassurance in any way that someone can give me, that contacting them will not result in what I think it will. I was all for not renewing when forms come back out however, solicitor thinks they may question this. It would be a big hit to lose each month - but the terror I am going through would at least stop. Incidentally, this was brough to light as oldest is in college and the SAAS (bursary people) contacted us saying needed additional information regarding self employment for us both - mine isnt the problem. Yes, I always knew about the emplyed/ self-employed issue, however, I honestly didnt think of it as fraud and I am upside down now. I truly dont think the overpayment would be massive, although for 6 years it will be a couple of thousand possibly - its probably around £20/30 difference per week maybe. Does anyone know whats seen as worse - the timescale involved or the amounts of money involved?? Can anyone help in anyway please???