New Tax Credit Claim

adiandshona

Hi all


My husband and I are separating. I still live in the family home at the moment though it's currently on the market.


I'm just looking at starting a claim for tax credits as we have two children.


I work full time and earn an OK wage. However, my husband is happy to continue paying the mortgage on the property until it's sold.


Do I need to declare this as other income or is it irrelevant as my husband's paying? I've used the calculator and if I include it as spousal maintenance in other income I'm not entitled to anything.


Our salaries are still paid into a joint account and the money is left there to pay the bills. If it is OK for him to pay the mortgage and me not to declare it should we then separate the accounts to make things cleaner from a government point of view or is it still acceptable to use the joint account?


Also, on another subject, is there a cap on the amount of child maintenance which can be paid? I've tried to Google this but can't find an answer anywhere.


Many thanks.
x

Darksparkle

You can only claim tax credits as a single person, whilst still married, if:
- separated under a Court order or
- separated in circumstances where the separation is likely to be permanent.

Tax credits could ask for evidence that the separation is likely to be permanent eg in the process of getting divorced.

I would not recommend keeping joint accounts. Tax credits have access to credit reference agencies and joint finances would indicate to them that you are still a couple and could prompt a compliance check.

If the separation is permanent you should look to separate all financial ties, where possible, ensure no post of his is being delivered to your address etc.

What you want to think about is on paper, how can you prove you are no longer together?

There is no maximum maintenance, but there is a minimum. Either way maintenance of any kind is not included for tax credit purposes.