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Original poster

Tax credit

134 replies

Help45 · 12/03/2021 09:28

I’m looking for help I posted on a old thread that was similar to my issue last night as I’m new to all of this.....I’ve got myself in bother and I’m going out of my head with worry..I’m being investigated for tax credit fraud and yes I have done wrong I know that but I’m feeling like my only way out is too end it all and spare my family and partner who all knew nothing the embarrassment that I’ve caused....my stomach is in knots I can’t afford a solicitor and I’m petrified I will go to prison or end up in court where everyone will find out about me I can’t bare that for my kids or family..I honestly feel ending it is the only option...help please

OP posts:
MyDcAreMarvel · 14/03/2021 12:57

@Help45 don’t hate yourself, it was wrong but you know that now. I hope after the interview you will be able to pay back the money and the probable fine and put it behind you.

Viviennemary · 14/03/2021 13:04

I think there is no chance of you going to prison. Mostly used for absolute fraud using different names and so on. I think you need to bd honest. Telling lies will do you no good in this situation.

Original poster
Help45 · 14/03/2021 14:04

My appointment is tomorrow telephone interview

OP posts:
youvegottenminuteslynn · 14/03/2021 14:15

@Help45

My appointment is tomorrow telephone interview
Please have someone sitting with you. They can talk you down afterwards if you panic more and also they can take notes on the information during the call as you are likely to forget some of it afterwards if you're feeling awful.

Today focus on getting any relevant paperwork together so you are armed with all information on the call.

The more proactive and engaged you appear with this process, the better. I had a tax bill then an unexpected (obviously) life changing accident meant I had to use the money put aside for it to fund my life while I couldn't work due to my injuries.

I called them proactively and said this is the situation, this is how much I owe and I can pay you back this amount for this long - I cannot pay back more than that or I'll be bankrupt so you won't get any of it back. Basically it's this much for this long or nothing and I want to work with you to solve it etc.

I had to pay it in full (obviously) but it was a manageable amount that didn't destroy me.

I know your situation is very different but the more information you have and the more proactive and cooperative you are the better. They will appreciate you are apologetic but if you are crying and repeating you're stupid etc on the phone that will be less constructive and have a less positive outcome than saying those things clearly (you're sorry and you want to resolve it, you take full responsibility etc) and as calmly as possible.

Crappyfridays7 · 14/03/2021 14:52

Take a breath, you will not be prosecuted but you will likely get a fine I think 3k upill pay that back with interest then/or along side the tax credit debt. It could be you’re still entitled to some tax credits so you will not get them and it will go towards your debt. Or you’ll need to agree to pay an amount back per month - there is a specific team who deal with this and they are very understanding. You’ve made a mistake op and you’ll pay it back and I’m sure never do the same again.
It’s not worth ending your life but perhaps taking stock and dealing with things in an upfront way and working with your gp (or other agencies) on your mental health. It’s so hard to admit youre unwell and you’ve made a mistake but it’s out there now.
Take care op and really just be honest and work out before you speak to them tomorrow what you want to say and how much you can afford to repay.

Original poster
Help45 · 14/03/2021 15:47

Thanks everyone I’m in such a mess I really am I have t ate a thing for three days as the thought of it makes me sick,I suffer from night blood pressure and it’s through the roof giving me extreme headaches and palpitations...I can’t look at my partner or family(family don’t know) as I’m so ashamed of myself.....why oh why could I be so stupid,I feel
Like my mh is really crashing now

OP posts:
ScabbyHorse · 14/03/2021 16:23

It might be possible that you could have been paid some tax credits anyway so you may not owe as much as you thought. Also you could possibly have been able to claim ESA due to mental health problems so they might factor that in although it is a different department. They will deal with it factually rather than emotionally so it's not like you'll get told off more like they will just look at the facts and deal with figures and dates. So make sure you have your bank statements and things all set out in front of you. My advice would be just to answer questions about the dates they have flagged for now to see what they have in mind.

youvegottenminuteslynn · 14/03/2021 16:25

Sorry to repeat myself OP but does this feel doable?

Please have someone sitting with you (during your call and after). They can talk you down afterwards if you panic more and also they can take notes on the information during the call as you are likely to forget some of it afterwards if you're feeling awful.

Today focus on getting any relevant paperwork together so you are armed with all information on the call.

LIZS · 14/03/2021 16:33

And ask them to put a record of the discussion and accusation on writing.

cactuslover1992 · 14/03/2021 18:20

Op I feel
Sorry for you I really do ❤️ . My
Mother was in the exact same situation as you and guess what she done it twice ! She got threatened with prison but that was all . She just had to pay it back . If this is your 1st offence with them you will be totally fine xxx

cactuslover1992 · 14/03/2021 18:22

So many people are going through what you are . Loads are doing what you did . Honestly now I know it's really frightening but I promise you you will
Not go to jail.
Try not to worry I know it's harder said than done. My mother owes thousands the 1st time and the same again the 2 nd time . She was on her arse paying it back mind but once it's payed that's it . This will all be forgotten about in a few months . You are not the 1st or the last so please don't do anything stupid xxx

Original poster
Help45 · 14/03/2021 18:35

This is my first time and my last thats a bloody promise I will never ever be so stupid again,I hate myself I hate everything I stand for.

OP posts:
Original poster
Help45 · 14/03/2021 19:01

Thank you so much I would of been lost with out this group over the last three days...xxx

OP posts:
cactuslover1992 · 14/03/2021 19:42

Nothing worse than worrying about something like this , I was investigated a few years back . I absolutely crapped myself . Like others have said tho they have dealt with so many cases like this and loads a hell of a lot worse . You will feel a lot better once you have spoken to them it will go to court , my mother had to go but you will just sort out a payment plan . Just say how you feel your anxiety got the best of you it was all over whelming to you , you have never done anything like this before in your life and you never will . Hope you have a good nights sleep tonight op . Like my nan always used to say to me it's not as if you have murdered someone it's honestly not going to be as near as bad as you think xxx

MondeoFan · 14/03/2021 19:52

Wishing you luck for tomorrow let us know how it goes

Changemaname1 · 14/03/2021 19:55

Wishing you the beat of luck tommorow op.

It will be solvable and life will be good again
Please stop hating on yourself . You fucked up, it happens . It will get sorted

Changemaname1 · 14/03/2021 19:55

Best *

Original poster
Help45 · 14/03/2021 19:59

If it goes to court I’m done as I will loose my job and everyone will find out I couldn’t cope with that

OP posts:
SandysMam · 14/03/2021 20:14

It will be all over soon Op and then you can move on with your life. Just tell the truth, apologise profusely and they will arrange a plan to pay it back. They won’t want you to lose your job or else the state will end up supporting you even more. Big deep breath, get through it and you will be ok. I promise.

Original poster
Help45 · 14/03/2021 20:18

I will definitely loose my job my boss will not back me and if I’ve not got my wage we won’t be able to pay it back my partner will leave and I’m still thinking he might,I’m terrified

OP posts:
LIZS · 14/03/2021 20:26

You're getting ahead of yourself. Get tomorrow dealt with first.

youvegottenminuteslynn · 14/03/2021 20:53

@Help45

Can you please have someone sit with you during the call tomorrow to take notes down and keep you as calm as possible during and after the call? You don't sound like you should be tackling this without support right now. Please consider asking someone to be with you - can your partner?

Have you got any relevant paperwork ready?

You need to be prepared with information so you can look proactive and cooperative to them rather then spiralling and coming off the call even more stressed.

Original poster
Help45 · 14/03/2021 22:04

I want to end it all I really do....:my life is over...it’s such a mess I can’t do this

OP posts:
youvegottenminuteslynn · 14/03/2021 22:25

@Help45

I want to end it all I really do....:my life is over...it’s such a mess I can’t do this
Your family need you.

You will not go to prison.

This is fixable.

You now have the burden of worrying about when they will find out removed, because it's happened now.

This is your chance to sort this and move on with your life.

I know you are catastrophising and spiralling but please try to read my posts (and other peoples) and get yourself prepared for tomorrow.

The more prepared you are the better you will feel and the better the outcome will be.

To harm yourself over this would devastate your family. I lost a friend this year after he took his own life and dozens of people in his life are still grieving, me included.

This. Is. Fixable.

I promise.

Changemaname1 · 14/03/2021 22:27

You can do this , hopefully youl just pay it back and avoid any criminal stuff iv certainly read that to be the case on here before

Nothing is worth thinking about ending it for

It’s scary now yes but it will get sorted and you start again . Please try to calm down