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Ex in serious debt to HMRC on former joint account - should I be worried??

3 replies

calatheamama · 13/02/2024 19:32

I might be panicking a bit, but I recently left an abusive relationship (won't go into details) and had myself removed from the joint account asap, fairly taking what money I had deposited. I was left in the charge of cleaning and tidying up our former property (ex currently staying at their parents as part of a restraining order) and I ended up coming across a stack of opened HMRC letters addressed to my self-employed ex while I organised documents.

I was horrified to notice that he has several thousands pounds worth of debt to HMRC in self-assessment payments - which I knew absolutely nothing about - and I'm very worried now because he was registered with our joint account, as I understand it.

He's had multiple warnings from debt collection agencies. Because he was so financially controlling, it became difficult for me to see what was coming in and out of the account. I am just so shocked to find yet another skeleton in his closet. And despite his controlling behaviour, I still feel so stupid and ignorant that I didn't know...

Am I being over the top in worrying about any liability I might have in repayments?? I was removed from the joint account under domestic abuse regulations, plus the business was not under my name. It looks as though he was just ignoring them completely, and I have nothing left to give financially after our separation.

Please do advise.

OP posts:
Xenia · 13/02/2024 19:35

A debt for tax owed is a personal debt and I am old enough to remember when our tax system was changed to completely separate taxation of husband and wife. So if a debt collector is appointed by HMRC usually they would start by asking for the money, then they might get some kind of deduction from earnings order on him (not you). Even if you just took half your entitlement to a joint account I cannot see how HMRC could claim that back from you.

determinedtomakethiswork · 13/02/2024 19:37

I don't think the bank account comes into it. It's his responsibility, not yours.

calatheamama · 15/02/2024 13:19

@Xenia @determinedtomakethiswork OK, thank you, that puts my mind at rest! My logical brain hasn't been functioning well recently due to breakup circumstances, so anything like that sends me into panic mode. I'm relieved it shouldn't affect me.

How very strange and stupid to just ignore those taxes when he had the finances to fund other jollies for himself... And to hide it all away.

OP posts:
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