bankruptcy and then claiming WTC?

Notentirelysure_2

Hi all, I hope I am posting this in the right place, its a tricky one that falls between the Benefits/Bankruptcy categories.


so to give you a little background; I work 35h PW on a £16500 salary, currently not claiming any benefits at all.


My partner is officially self employed and not claiming any benefits. however due to a case of 'head buried in the sand' regarding multiple other large debts he has not filled in and returned a tax return in four years. I do not believe he earns more than 10K a year (but I am more than aware that the tax returns need to have been filled and returned as he has accrued massive penalties and ignored them!)


This situation would be fine (not really fine but bearable as long as he is happy!?) but we are now expecting our first child in January 2016 so my earnings will reduce massively once I am only in receipt of SMP, So in an ideal world we would put in a joint claim for WTC/CTC and for my partners income show an estimated figure of not-very-much-at-all and this would boost our income enough to mange until I return to work.


my worry is can we claim WTC if he is registered self employed but has not filled in his returns, I understand that HMRC/DWP ask for proof of earnings so it leaves me a little stuck!?


Our plan if (if finances allow) is for him to go bankrupt (and fill in last 3 years tax returns) before baby arrives, and for him them to become an official stay at home parent rather than self employed, so can we just use the 3 years estimated income from the back tax returns for the WTC claim?

Notentirelysure_2

also can anyone tell me how I go about getting the forms to submit the last 3 years tax returns? thank you

KeepOnKnitting

I helped out a friend a few years back who had been registered self employed. She had only worked a tiny bit, as her health problems did not allow more. Eventually she stopped working entirely, but still never filed a tax return. Head in the sand from the stress, so I know how your partner feels. She had fines and demands all over the place.

I just rang the tax office, with her confirming that they should speak to me. They were very understanding and were happy to send replacement forms. If your partner can get the basics of his accounts together, an accountant can probably file the returns for him for £100-150 per year. Possibly not MSE, but better than fines. I told them about her health problems and that her income had been nil, and they cancelled the fines, which may not be the case for your partner.

Good luck.