to think that this amounts to intimidation by the Tax Credit Office?

[mybabysinthegarden]

DH and I are currently claiming CTC based on the fact that although he is working, he is not currently drawing a salary as his company is in liquidation. I phoned the Tax Credit Office when his salary stopped and our credits were adjusted accordingly.

Some months later he received a letter asking him to clarify his working situation. Despite two letters and phone calls where he was unable to speak to anyone competent enough to assess his situation, he has never had a response. Now this morning he has received, with no covering letter, tax returns to be filled out for the previous SIX years. (He has always been a straightforward PAYE with no outside incomes or investments.)

I understand that in light of the recent case of the guy who was claiming for 30 phantom children, they might want to tighten up their claims procedures. But I am fuming that at a time when dh is working his arse off trying to save his company that without any attempt at personal contact he is being subjected to this timewasting exercise. Following the 10% allowance cut debacle, the government claimed to be concerned about the uptake of CTC; if everyone who has a slightly out-of-the-ordinary claim is treated in this shoddy and intimidating manner it shouldn't come as a surprise that they decide the extra money just isn't worth the hassle.

[meemar]

I suspect someone doesn't know what they are doing or has made an error. Not uncommon at the tax credits office.

If he has always been PAYE and has never filled out tax returns as a self-employed person then there should be no reason for him to fill them out now.

I would get back on the phone to them. Can you offer to show them his last 6 years worth of P45/P60s ?(sorry I don't know which is which).

good luck with it.

[mybabysinthegarden]

Thanks meemar, I think you're right about phoning to see if there's an easier way around it.