Both my parents are irresponsible tax payers and they need help

DJorgio

What can i say, i pay my taxes, for what its worth i vote and i work hard for a living even though taxes are getting more and more expensive, I've even decided to move to Oz in hope for a better life for my child, I'm not sure if this is an appropiate place to post this (please direct me elsewhere if necessary) its my mum and dad, both separated, both have not paid any kind of tax for at least 15 years, my mum is worst, she even grabs benefits like there is no tomorrow when in fact she is a self employed driving instructor who apparently has a condition that prevents her from even opening her front door, my dad is not so bad he has just disappeared off all records and has worked cash in hand for a few years, but both have the same problem, they both continue down this road with the same attitude, "i will go to prison if the tax man ever catches up with me" i have told them both they need to sort this out but of course i do not want to do anything that might tip authorities off but i really want them to go legal so to speak and stop making excuses, they both agree they would like to do this and lose the daily worry of looking over there shoulders. I have no ideas for them except to own up to HMC and there relevant Councils and fully co operate with what they say but since they both have deep reasons not to do this i am looking for a better solution for them, if anyone knows or could add anything it would be much appreciated.

rachnbri

You need to make this not your problem. Advise both your parents to get advice from the jobcentre and have nothing more to do with the whole thing,

immoral_angeluk

Unless they accept that it's not acceptable then there isn't anything you can do. Sounds harsh but it's their problem and it seems that they're going to keep putting their heads in the sand until they're caught (Which they will be, the inland revenue don't look too kindly on tax evaders..).

urbanian

I accept that it is worrying for you - my parents were a little reckless in the same way with tax - but they are adults and know what is at stake. I wouldn't get involved if I were you.

Ian

babyboo42

Hi,whilst I echo the sentiments of the previous posters,I know it isn't always as easy as thinking "leave them to it" and I guess if you're thinking of moving to Oz you want peace of mind that they aren't going to end up locked up.
How serious is your Mum about sorting herself out? If she is serious then she needs to stop claiming and start a legit business for her driving. The problem is people in this situation get used to the money and end up reliant on it. As with all little scams they are fine until you get caught.
Your dad might be fine for now but you need to impress upon him what happens if he gets too ill to work? or retires?He's going to want/need benefits then and can't pretend he has just fallen out the sky!
Your mother's situation is most serious as she risks double prosecution and she WILL get caught,as with all things it is better to hold her hands up than to wait for that knock at the door.
Whilst I think it's selfish of them to cause you this worry,none of us are perfect and you obviously love your parents a great deal.I think you're going to have to be harsh with them and use emotional blackmail saying how it affects you,good luck

Morglin

Your mum could just write and cancel her claims for sickness/disability benefits - she only has to say her condition has improved etc.,

She could then advise the tax office that she wishes to become self-employed, and do it legitimately.

But, many people chance their arm, and only they can change the situation.

Tell them what you think they should do, but if they won't listen, then there's nothing else you can do.

Lin

raq

There are so many people like this out there. You also hear them bragging to their friends on a friday night at the local pub. One guy the last 10 years haven't paid a bean. Got 3 children, have had 4 different pushchairs in 2 years, working part time and wftc paying the child fees, also have 3 holidays a year. this bloke just doesn't care. Then you got the others like your mum and dad who take the benefits agent for ££££ ove the years by claiming they are not working.

I can see why you want to go to OZ and I wish you all the best and do hope your parents sort's themselves out pretty soon.

Good luck

DJorgio

raq wrote: »

There are so many people like this out there. You also hear them bragging to their friends on a friday night at the local pub. One guy the last 10 years haven't paid a bean. Got 3 children, have had 4 different pushchairs in 2 years, working part time and wftc paying the child fees, also have 3 holidays a year. this bloke just doesn't care. Then you got the others like your mum and dad who take the benefits agent for ££££ ove the years by claiming they are not working.

I can see why you want to go to OZ and I wish you all the best and do hope your parents sort's themselves out pretty soon.

Good luck

Thanks everyone involved with my post, i had the same feelings as most here and i agree i have said my bit to them so to speak and they need to decide how they are going to put a handle on this, its so true, especially with my mum that they get used to the hand outs, but she goes beyond that, she has made more of a career in life out of getting money rather than making money im ashamed to say, my dad is no so bad as he does not claim benefits, well not any more, but that is only coz he has a cash in hand job that pays him quite well and he rents from his Boss, a sweet deal as long as he keeps his job, i did not even think what they are going to do when retirement age kicks in which is within the next 15 years for them both, my mum is smart, she will find a bloke and even leave the country if she has to, but she is just waiting for inheritance money from her nan which i hate to say wont be long. Were not on talking terms at the moment over a car we got her on finance and after throwing a few home truths at her but we are gutted for our daughter as she is going to be 2 next month and she is already asking us "were's nana" The other side of having parents like this is that they will screw you over quite easily to protect there habbits, just like most other bad habbits, yeah i cant wait to leave the UK for many reasons but i am going to leave what ever family issues left behind.

Take care everyone and be lucky..