HMRC investigating single claim help

rupiereeves

Hi, I have received a letter from HMRC stating that they are investigating my claim as a single person. I am a single person (parent) and the person who the are referring to is a friend (a gay male friend) who stayed with me for a few months after moving back from abroad. The problem is that he did contribute (£220 a month). I am unsure of what action to take next as I do not know if this will now affect my HB and CTB. This was my mistake and I hold my hands up but I know how you word it can change everything. Can anybody help please

cattie

The best thing to do is tell the truth, anything else is fraught with problems & honesty is always the best policy as they say.

There is data sharing between all the different depts of HMRC, DWP & local authorities, so the chances are if you've claimed something you shouldn't, then HB & CTB could find out.

con1888

Tell it like it is. That's the best policy, lying will be evident to the person who comes out.

rogerblack

If there is no relationship which exceeds close friends - you were not 'living together as husband and wife'.

How you arranged your finances does not matter, and is quite legal whatever you chose to do.

The problem is that close financial ties with someone can raise suspicions which are hard to disprove, and risk it being found that you were partners.

There _MUST_ be a relationship beyond mere friendship - though it doesn't always have to be a sexual one.

Things that may be relevant - did he have any relationship(s) at this time.
Was there any expectation of fidelity.
Did you represent yourself to the outside world as a couple.

rupiereeves

Thank you. He is most definitely gay and this can be seen as he now lives with his partner. I think this has come about as he has claimed for Tax Credits and put this as his previous address.
I just don't know how to work out if I am going to owe any money or what kind of trouble I could be in. It wasn't an intentional thing. He just asked to stay for a little bit after moving back to the country and offered me a bit of money for my trouble. I wasn't looking for a lodger

Icequeen99

HMRC pick these checks using credit reference data - there must be something on either your credit file or his linking him to the address.

Honesty is the best policy here and gather as much evidence as you can to support it. So for example a statement from him and his current partner, evidence of the £220 payments going into your bank, evidence of how long it lasted and if there is no financial connection between you then that will make it easier.

IQ

rupiereeves

Thank you. Do you know if it will affect the HB or CTB that I was receiving?

jetplane

It is procedure as they have him living at your address while you were being paid a single claim. Is there any record of his contribution and what was it for? HMRC should quickly establish that your claim is legit, have they suspended your payments?

How his contribution would affect other benefits depends on how long a few months was and what the £220 month was for.

StormyWeather_2

rupiereeves wrote: »

Thank you. Do you know if it will affect the HB or CTB that I was receiving?

£220 a month would cover food and increase in bills such as electricity. Not much left for rent.

Just be honest about what you received in your bank account and what it was for.

rupiereeves

I suppose I don't trust them in terms of being helpful. I want to ensure I use the right wording so they don't make it into something it wasn't. Would they class him as a boarder or lodger? etc. Was the money 'rent' or a contribution? I didn't really benefit financially but it's whether they see it that way and he also stayed at work half the time as he works in the hotel industry.

StormyWeather_2

How long did he stay with you? And did he make a regular payment into your account while he was there?