Working Tax Credits compliance, can someone help please?

Car_guy

I got a compliance letter for my tax credits from last year. I wasn't able to send them all the information they had requested, but I explained why I had to leave some out, and sent what I could.

It's been a while since I sent the documents, and I was wondering if anyone else has been through this, and how long it'll be before I hear anything back from them?? I've not heard anything yet.

I know I didn't do anything wrong, but just the idea that they might think I did (and the fact I wasn't able to send all the documents they asked for) is really stressful, especially because I don't know why they decided to run this check. I think if they had just given me a proper reason, I might have been able to add some extra information addressing their concerns, but I have no clue.

I'm pretty sure I've not been over-paid, but I'm worried that if, worst case scenarion, they do end up asking for some, or all, money back, I'm not going to be able to afford a re-payment.

If anyone has been through this, some advice on what I can expect through this process would be hugely appreciated.

shedboy94

What info was asked for and what wasn't sent in?

Car_guy

They asked for tonnes of things, like payslips, p60, car insurance cert., bank statements, loads of utility bills, tv licence, etc.

I live in a shared flat, and most of the utility bills are in my flatmates names because they lived there ages before I moved in, so I couldn't send all that stuff, just sent what I could.

Have you been through this? How long does this usually take? I still haven't heard anything from them, not sure if that's a good or bad sign.

Simon7685

Why do they want utility bills, car insurance and tv license? I don't understand what that has to do with tax credits?

shedboy94

It sounds like they are checking to see if you are living as a single person. it will have flagged up that there is someone else showing as living at the same address as you.

Car_guy

I have no idea either. I initially thought it might have been dodgy, someone trying to get my details, so phoned HMRC to check that they address checked out, just in case, but apparently it is a genuine address....just hope they are right!

Car_guy

Surely though claiming as a 'single person' means I'm not in a relationship, but that doesn't necessarily have to mean that I live on my own, does it?

shedboy94

Car_guy wrote: »

Surely though claiming as a 'single person' means I'm not in a relationship, but that doesn't necessarily have to mean that I live on my own, does it?

They are checking to see if you are living as a single person, not living alone. The bills are to see if you are financially linked with anyone else....ie a partner sharing bills/on car insurance etc....the P60 will be to check you are working the required hrs to claim WTC, and also to see if the income you are declaring is enough to cover your lifestyle or if there is any other undisclosed sources of income.

Car_guy

That makes sense, thanks

Do you know how long these things usually take to resolve? I'd really like to just get it all over and done with now.

shedboy94

At this time of year you are probably looking at a couple of months unfortunately

Car_guy

Oh no, that's not good news for someone as impatient as me! Oh well, guess I'll have to just wait and see.
Thanks very much for your help, much appreciated.
:wave: