Tax Credits in joint names

paulsm

Hi my girlfriend has had a letter from the tax credits people stating that she has to pay back some money , this was her ex who didnt notify them of changes in their circumstances , as it was in joint names is she liable only for half (which she has paid in one lump) or can they come to her for it all (the money was paid into her ex's account ).She would like to know how she stands legally.

Hapless_2

She will probably be liable for it all. She may be able to claim against her ex in the small claims court for half the money. If there are two names on the claim then both are responsible for notifying changes. She could try phoning to ask.
Was it working tax credit or child tax credit?

paulsm

tax working credits , her ex went into hospital but kept claiming for his ilness for too long from the sounds of it.

shellsuit

If they can't come to an agreement together to pay it back (her and the ex), then TC will just try to get it from either of them with it being a joint claim.

If she doesn't pay, they will go after him ~ if he doesn't pay, they will go after her.

They both owe it, so either of them could have reported changes.

If they split up then TC should have been notified ASAP.

lullable

Shellsuit is spot on.

The money was paid to the household in good faith. It was paid into the nominated bank account - it doesn't matter who's name the account was in.

If you are getting a separation order through the courts & your solicitor has addressed the issue of Tax Credit Overpayments then you will be able to apportion blame/responsibility for paying it back. If the court order states 40% / 60% split then the accounts office will pursue the appropriate amounts from both parties.