CT - parents living abroad full-time

llh189

I rent a house and claim my single persons allowance.

My parents live abroad in Spain, have official residence there, pay all local taxes and charges etc. They both have UK bank accounts and they use my address for correspondence.

I need to stress that my father has been to the UK 3 times in 5 years, for no more than a weekend. My mum has been more frequent but only for holidays - the are not registered with local dentists or doctors.

My renewal for my CT discount has come and the questions have changed they are now asking for details about people who use my address for correspondence.

I obviously can not ignore this and fill the form incorrectly but conversely I cannot find any advice online regarding this - any thoughts.

I am concerned about losing my discount for the forthcoming year but also being made to repay the discount for 5 years that they have lived abroad, myself and them cannot afford that, although to my knowledge this is the first year this question has been asked.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

skintandscared_2

Why do they use your address for correspondence? It's not illegal to have a UK bank account but have an overseas address.

CIS

You need to explain the circumstances to the council and you should be OK - if necessary though can your parents provide anything to show they are resident in Spain ?

llh189

I am not sure to be honest, I might also add that they are both retired and have less than £16 k in savings each! I assume it for no other reason than they feel comfortable with it. Post also to Spain certainly where they are has an inconsistent service, so I guess also for security of personal details.

Neither one of them have any loan liabilities here, but they both pay the tax owed on their pensions etc and the HMRC have them as living abroad.

llh189

Thank you CIS - would you suggest that I do this in writing or on the phone, it is a confusing tale and a little worried that it will get lost in translation a little, especially as I have googled this question and variations of and I can't find any reference to this situation.

Thanks

CIS

I am not sure to be honest, I might also add that they are both retired and have less than £16 k in savings each!

That has no effect on a single person discount.

would you suggest that I do this in writing or on the phone,

I would use whichever method they request as they will be geared up to process your response in this manner.

especially as I have googled this question and variations of and I can't find any reference to this situation.

Your discount would only be affected if they were 'solely or mainly resident' in your property.