owing back tax credits 2009

diane70

Hi There
I separated from my husband in 2009, I went to the benefits office and told them we had split, they handed me the phone and I spoke to tax credits and told them we are no longer together!
2010 I received a letter stating they had paid me too much in tax credits and I owe back over a grand!!!
I sent a letter back explaining the money went into joint account that I stopped using once we split so ex had the tax credits etc, they were not interested and said I had to pay and they would lower it to £600+ I wrote again and said that I had told them everything on the day we officially split and I didn't have any money from them as he controlled the bank and it was up to them to stop payments.

I heard nothing from them so I presumed it was over until I received a letter last month asking for the money again! its now gone down to £500+ because I paid some off? I haven't paid anything off it as I thought this was over in 2010?

They should of stopped tax credits the day I called to tell them my circumstances had changed! Not sure what to do, I'm a single parent working full time and can't afford £500+
how come they have left it 9 years and now decided to contact me?

Can anyone shed some light on this please before the bailiffs knock on my door

Thanks Diane x

poppy12345

If it was a joint claim then you should be paying half.



You can contact HMRC and ask them for a full breakdown of why that money is owed but you will have to pay it back because you can't appeal the decision now, it's too late.


As it's more than 6 years they can't take you to court but they have other ways of making sure the debt is repaid.