Tax credits check

[OhhBetty]

Can anyone help me please? I've had a letter through from HMRC saying they have information which shows I may be living with a partner and my ex has been named on it.
We own the house together but it has been sold and I have a rental property lined up. Council tax in my name as are electric and gas. We have a joint account as it's where all the mortgage and bills go out of though. Should I be worried? I feel terrified and I'm shaking even though I've dont nothing wrong!

I'd just explain and enquire what proof they require from you. If you are no longer with him then they can't prove otherwise.

Just give them all the proof they ask, anything you might have about the house selling and if you can get a rental agreement or something from the landlord/agents send that too.

I had one of these asking me to prove my earnings, twas fine.

Thanks so much both of you!

You need to completely separate your financies, you're likely to have a problem if you share an account.

Yes we have separate and a joint one but this will be closed down once the house is sold. The sale will be complete in a matter of weeks. Will they take this into consideration or just stop my money?

I'm supposed to be signing up to my tenancy tomorrow, I can't if I won't be getting tax credits

It'll be fine. How long have the given you?

It just says to contact them by 15th July

So them all your bills, if you can go back to when you starting claiming as a single person. Send them new tenancy agreement. I'd also close the joint account as soon as you can.

Thank you. All bills were changed to my name immediately. The joint account shows it is purely for the mortgage and bills so I'm hoping it's all ok. Will speak to them and see what they say. Won't be getting any sleep tonight!

Try not to worry. I know its scary when they try and point the finger. But really all it is, is a fishing expedition to catch people out.

Thank you, I feel reassured a bit! He's back living with his parents who will provide a letter or whatever to confirm this too.

You will be fine! I was contacted about my wages - I can't remember the exact problem but something about my maternity leave and claiming too much. I actually HAD made an error and wrote a letter explaining everything along with EVERYTHING they asked for...they wrote back and said no further action will be taken. Just send them everything - they actual are pretty reasonable!!

I had a childcare fees check and just got all the information very organised.

You could give them a 'Timeline Summary' ie
x date relationship ended, began process of ending all joint commitments apportioning outstanding bills. ExP now living at new address.

Y date bills for gas, electricity etc transferred to single name

Etc etc

To projected future dates
A date signing new tenancy agreement for new home for me and DC
:
:
F date all joint accounts, bills and commitments to have been closed/settled /apportioned

And a huge pile of numbered and cross referenced photocopies

Also, when you send the proof, take photocopies of everything you send and send it recorded mail so they have to sign for it.

Thanks so much. It's just so scary at first! Thought I had some breathing space as I've finally found a house for dc and I after being rejected loads for receiving tax credits! Now this! Makes me feel like I can't look after ds as well as someone else could.

You should definitely be entitled once you move,
They will have picked up information from experian that will show your joint account and joint mortgage and the onus is now on you to prove that you have not been living together, and that his contribution to your living costs is agreed maintenance, and not because you live together and share finances.

Thank you missymayhemsmum. The period they're looking at is apparently January til March for some reason yet we split in August last year!