single occupancy review letter

scarlet22

Hi
I have just received the new tax review form to fill in. I received the single tax occupancy when my husband left about 6 years ago. At the time my daughter was travelling but she returned and lived with me about 5 years ago and i did not let the tax people know. Stupid and crazyI know but at the time I just forgot and life carried on - until the letter came! There is a paragraph on the review which says that if you don't send the form they will....

We will assume that your situation has changed and will remove your discount, effective from the last time we checked your eligibility which will be confirmed in your new bill.

Is it as simple as that? I am so worried that I will have to pay back thousands if they look into my history. I wonder if someone could help me on this. Thanks for your time

blossomhill_2

Is this council tax?

Well in one way it IS as simple as that - but the truth is that you would not be being honest and that is a tricky strategy with the tax people as they have powers

Better to come clean with them and if it is thousands then ask for a payment plan, than to know you've committed evasion/fraud and live in fear of being found out

Was your daughter registered for tax at any other address during that time?

scarlet22

Hi Blossom
She was registered for tax but to my address. I feel very foolish but it was an honest foolish! She will be going abroad travelling in September again. I hope payment plans spam over many years!

HappyMJ

Has your daughter been paying you rent/board? Maybe it's time to up it to take into account the unpaid council tax discount over the last 5 years. How much is your take home pay?

scarlet22

I get a bit of cash time to time - I receive Working Tax credit so my wage i relatively low. She will be leaving again in a couple of months abroad to work

CIS

Is it as simple as that? I am so worried that I will have to pay back thousands if they look into my history. I wonder if someone could help me on this. Thanks for your time

Most council's wont prosecute for council tax discount fraud but it is an option that they have.

In any case what will happen is that you will be billed for the council tax for the last year 5 years (at a minimum you'd be looking in excess of £1000). This will be recoverable by the normal council route - bill, reminder, summons, liability order etc.

CIS

She will be leaving again in a couple of months abroad to work

What would happen if her job abroad didn't work out ?

krisskross

As you are on a low income have you applied for council tax benefit?

Could be worth running your figures through a benefit checker.