being investigated but getting divorced!!

[ranbirbabe]

I currently receive childcare tax credits as I am in full-time employment and my daughter attends nursery. I am a single parent.

I have received a letter from HMRC saying that they are investigating me because they have reason to believe that I am still with my ex. We have been seperated for two years and live in two different cities. He still lives in the marital home and I have moved two hundred miles away - he has never lived at this address.

We have been going through the divorce process for over a year now and it's taking so long because there is a child involved. My ex has been determined from day one to go through the courts, but the courts and solicitors are recommending that we go through mediation first - but even this is taking ages.

HMRC want 'evidence' to clarify why I am claiming as a single person! I was thinking if I photocopy the solicitor, court and mediation letters as well as my financial statements - would this be ok? I rang HMRC and they said that someone would call me back, but as yet no-one has. As there is a deadline on the letter I want to send the info off asap. What other information do you think I would require?

Thanks.

I would expect things like all bills in your own name, council tax bill showing the single person discount - plus the ExP's address somewhere else. I wouldn't worry, it sounds like it will be easy enough to prove you are living alone.

I live with my parents so don't pay bills - apart from my own credit card and mobile phone. Have got a stack of solicitor and court-stamped letters though. The situation is so ridiculous, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. As if the whole long divorce process wasn't difficult enough, this is making me more stressed :(

It could be that they've checked the electoral role and seen a man's name.

You should explain (in addition to sending the separation information) that you live with your parents and send a copy of your birth certificate to show your father's name.

Could you ask your exH for a copy of his council tax bill showing him as a single occupant?