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Tax credit investigation please help

9 replies

SJJ90 · 24/08/2018 19:36

Hi all... I don't know if I'm in the write section but hope someone can help as I'm a wreck.

So I separated from my partner at the tail end of 2016 (great dad, bad partner), and started a single claim April 2017 and since then. We all loved together in his house as it was inherited and owned outright by him. When we decided to separate, after lots of talking he agreed to let me stay in the house as I would have the children full-time while he tried to get somewhere else to live. He hasn't secured a permanent place and has spent the time since staying in friends spare rooms/sofas/parents even in his car on occasion and has spent the summer at his parents house in France as they've moved there, so because he's never had a full time place his left all his post coming here as it's his house obviously. Regarding finances we don't have an official arrangement money wise, he basically helps me out when I need it with money for bills or kids etc.

Anyway, tax credits wrote me back in April requesting info such as bank statements, copies of bills and info about him. I sent stuff in and told them basically what I've told you all... Now they've come back saying I owe back all my payments since April last year and are stopping all payments! Due to they think we have been living together as of married I think due to money from him to my bank and post coming back to the house.

He's now back in UK and still doesn't have anywhere to live so I'm moving with my mum and he is moving back.

Does anyone know likely outcome? I physically don't know what to do and am a wreck at the thought of somehow paying back all the money... I've appealed basically sent in another letter re-explaining everything. The house is his solely and no mortgage etc hence why his left all his stuff coming here, seeing as the house belonged to him I assumed that would be fine!

Any advice would be really appreciated... where this is likely headed...Whether someone good to contact etc.
Thank you

OP posts:
MissConductUS · 24/08/2018 20:30

In your shoes I would consult a good accountant who does tax work. The stakes are a bit high to rely on MN advice alone.

SJJ90 · 24/08/2018 20:52

What would I be seeking advice from them for exactly? I can understand everything looking off on paper... But it simply is what is it is, I've been as honest as possible. Feel like I'm essentially hoping they will believe me...

OP posts:
NaomiNagata · 24/08/2018 20:56

Have they had you in for an interview? They should have interviewed you and your ex.

Can you request an interview? And just explain it again. But the likely outcome is that they won't believe you. It seems way to close to someone who is actually pretending to be split up to claim the money... They will have heard it all before so be prepared to lose.

gingergenius · 24/08/2018 20:56

So the guy didn't have a mortgage or rent to pay but had to sofa surf? I can understand why tax credits are investigating the scenario.

Melliegrantfirstlady · 24/08/2018 21:00

Tax credits need to know that due to the housing crisis people can not move the hell out of their home the invite they separate

Keep telling them you were separated. They need proof you weren’t

RandomMess · 24/08/2018 21:04

Has he being paying you maintenance? If so that is evidence of you being financially separated.

SJJ90 · 24/08/2018 21:21

He inherited the house didn't buy it and hasn't had a well paid job, atm only a TA so on a low wage. Just over half of his wages goes on his bills. He doesn't pay me "maintenance" but helps me out money wise when I need it, transferring to my bank usually. He has been trying to save up enough for a rental, it's extortionate our way so getting enough for a deposit plus usually 1 or 2 month's rent he hasn't managed to save enough yet.

Hence why he's going to move back in and I'm going to live with mum for mean time as she has plenty of space.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 24/08/2018 21:31

I would get a print off of bank statements and highlight all those maintenance payments he has made to you. Also I would write a list of who he has stayed with and when.

gingergenius · 24/08/2018 23:49

They need proof you weren't

Sadly, having also been investigated, my experience suggests that unless you have a very clear contract between the two of you, that you volunteered the minute you separated, then yes, they'll wonder whether it's a scam.

I separated from my husband after 12 years of marriage back in 2010 and I still had provecrjat we'd agreed that we were separated in spite of him still living at home and sleeping at his best mate's. I don't know if it's different now but your situation seems to require a little more investigation

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