Request to supply accounts by Child Maintenance Se

Didn't find your answer?

I have received a request to supply unabbreviated accounts for my limited company by Child Maintenance services. The case has been taken over by Financial Investigations Unit( part of CMS). Do they have power to request accounts from limited company? I am the director of the limited.

 

Replies (11)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

By johngroganjga
12th Jun 2018 09:06

Common sense says that if they are examining your financial resources for child maintenance purposes, and you have said that your company is your only or main source of income, then the full accounts of your company are the prime documents they will need to see above all others.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By PBH64
12th Jun 2018 09:44

Does the request cite the powers under which the request is made? If it doesn't, you could politely request that they tell you the powers under which they are making the request. This is due process and all that, however, generally, if they're asking they have the powers but it always pays to get them to tell you.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By fawltybasil2575
12th Jun 2018 09:54

@ PremPrem (OP).

In professing no specialist knowledge in the area of Child Maintenance, I would respectfully suggest that the fact that the Financial Investigations Unit is involved should persuade you to take professional advice. Here is a link to guidance (entirely random, I should add) which I googled:-

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/428512/response/1040969/attach/ht...

You will note that near the end of this guidance is a reference to the delicate aspect of directors' trading through limited companies, and the (at least implied) possibility of a "look-through" approach being taken where the income drawn from the company (by way of dividends and salary etc.) does not reflect the profits which the director/shareholder COULD draw from the company. I of course have no idea whether such aspect may be relevant in your case, but I would reaffirm the need to take professional advice (a solicitor specialising in this area would appear to be the best option).

From my limited experience in relation to my own clients, most Child Maintenance payers have at some point obtained legal advice, and I would respectfully suggest your approaching your solicitor if you have previously appointed one in that field (or to appoint one if you have not done so) at least for preliminary guidance.

In again emphasising that I have no expertise in this area, I would have expected that the letter received by you states the specific LEGISLATION under which the information requested (the Unabbreviated Accounts in your case) is being requested (if however the letter does NOT include that legislation then I would routinely ask them to advise you of that specific legislation).

Basil.
EDIT. My above post was prepared prior to my seeing PBH64's post (my closing paragraph above refers).

Thanks (1)
avatar
By carynw
12th Jun 2018 10:35

They'll be available on companies house so not sure why they're asking you for them?

Thanks (0)
Replying to carynw:
By Tim Vane
12th Jun 2018 11:08

carynw wrote:

They'll be available on companies house so not sure why they're asking you for them?

No they won't, unless somebody has made a total screw up somewhere.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By Superbitch
06th Feb 2023 11:36

PremPrem wrote:

I have received a request to supply unabbreviated accounts for my limited company by Child Maintenance services. The case has been taken over by Financial Investigations Unit( part of CMS). Do they have power to request accounts from limited company? I am the director of the limited.

 

The fact you are being investigated by CMS & now looking for ways to stop them looking into your earnings...
Suggests you are being dishonest & not wanting to pay the proper amount for the child/children you brought into the world.
Instead of trying to worm your way out of it, why not stop being a scum bag & pay the rightful anount for your kids!

Thanks (1)
Replying to Superbitch:
Avatar
By I'msorryIhaven'taclue
06th Feb 2023 12:25

The mechanics of the system are that his ex-wife and kids will receive whatever social security payments they are entitled to, regardless of our protagonist's contributions to the pot. Essentially his contributions are something of a partial clawback by the DSS of what it costs them; his wife and kids won't see any of it.

Basil's spot-on with his analysis: the housing benefit system operates in similar fashion, topping up the deemed income of directors with the divs / benefits / retained profits in their company.

Thanks (0)
Replying to I'msorryIhaven'taclue:
avatar
By Hugo Fair
06th Feb 2023 14:39

I'd also suggest that a new member with such a laid-back avatar name, who's first action is to launch non-accounting abuse at the progenitor of a near 5-year old thread, is not worth wasting your time on ... given the likelihood that 'stirring it' seems the only motivation in the first place!

Remind you of anyone?

Thanks (2)
Replying to Hugo Fair:
Avatar
By I'msorryIhaven'taclue
06th Feb 2023 15:26

Yes, my mother-in-law!

Thanks (1)
avatar
By Superbitch
06th Feb 2023 15:07

I am merely sickened by the vast amount of men who try to hide their true earnings in order to scam their own children. I have seen with my own eyes. Asking their accounts to fudge their profit/earnings in their companies.
Its all spite against ex, instead of putting their children first.
If CMS are asking investigating & asking for all this, its because they believe he hasnt been honest in his declarations.
Probably rather spend it all on "company meals" "company cars" "company holidays" with new girlfriends etc.
Not surprisingly the male Accountants stick together on it!

Thanks (1)
Replying to Superbitch:
avatar
By Tax is always taxing
06th Feb 2023 15:35

So you're just lumping all male accountants in together now. Not so 'Super' maybe 'Boring' would be better... Just a thought.

Thanks (1)