Fully aware you can refuse to be interviewed by HMRC in the event of a tax enquiry. Normal policy everything in writing by me. Is it the same with tax credit office? Thanks!
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Noone has the power to interview and require answers
Do not think any HMRC type organisation can even require an interview without going down the criminal route.
Documents that actually exist?
different story altogether
That is what I thought.
Will robustly, refuse tomorrow.
Our clients have been accused of living as a couple. All well and good but they were accused of this a few years ago by the same department who agreed they were not.!
Thanks Paul.
Thanks for the link. Interesting video. Any particular reason you had an interest in being advised on how to deal with an interview by the police ... ?
In this instance I (i.e. your client) would be weighing up the options. In failing to co-operate, HMRC Tax Credits could...
- cease tax credits payments
- cease the award altogether (potentially leading to an enforced future move to UC)
- seek repayment of YTD tax credits
- commence further investigation
Usually, they will have some 'evidence' of suspected cohabiting be it a credit file reference, official mailing address or social media posts. Potentially they have had a tip off from a disgruntled ex partner with an axe to grind (etc.). In this case, it is likely this is circumstantial and can be resolved 'relatively' easily (when compared to the alternatives).
Whatever the case, this is unlikely to go away and faced with the prospect of a cancelled award, with little (or no) chance of going back onto tax credits afterwards, I'd be considering it carefully.
Clearly, it may be that your client is happy to take that risk, and is happy to potentially transition from TC to UC.
DKB this makes total sense and my thoughts entirely. They are frustrated because, the same thing happened with the same person previously and the enquiry was closed. This was probably 6 / 7 years ago. This client is one I would stand my ground every time, as lovely person who works hard and she is just trying make a better life for herself. Thanks for this as it raises some valid and useful pointers.
DKB this makes total sense and my thoughts entirely. They are frustrated because, the same thing happened with the same person previously and the enquiry was closed. This was probably 6 / 7 years ago. This client is one I would stand my ground every time, as lovely person who works hard and she is just trying make a better life for herself. Thanks for this as it raises some valid and useful pointers.
Do you have any idea why they've come back after 6/7 years ?? Is there no obvious reason that can be eliminated ??
Bernard think they have just been very unlucky. Had a chat with my client this morning and happy that nothing untoward, my starting point is recalling the old files that are in storage and review previous correspondence. Perhaps if HMRC had read the file history then my client would not need to be put under too much stress. Time to rebuff matters with HMRC TCO. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.