dickiem
24-01-2007, 01:04 PM
Just read a thread in the motoring section and wondered if I could get some advice/peace of mind on a similar topic.
Basically, ex-wife and I were overpaid working tax credits while we were together and were re-paying it by receiving £0 of our award each month.
We split up, she put in a single claim and now has a WTC award.
HMCR sent each of us a letter stating we had joint & several liability for the remaining joint 'debt' and we had to repay it in full within 7 days!
I appealed, claiming (correctly) that it was their mistake which led to the overpayment in the first place. Reply - appeal rejected, pay within 7 days!
I contacted them and agreed to repay 1/2 the balance on a monthly basis which I have honoured. My ex agreed to repay the other 1/2 on a monthly basis by direct debit but the paperwork 'disappeared' en-route to HMRC.
We've both now received a county court claim for the full amount. HMRC wont discuss it any further with me and said I must write a covering letter to the CC explaining the situation and basically wait for their decision.
Obviously I don't want a CCJ (my credit history is impeccable) but I feel my hands are tied.
To my mind, why should I get a CCJ when I'm honouring the agreement I made with HMRC and the 'debt' is actually being paid off (regardless of by whom).
CAB were no real help so if anyone has any ideas........
Basically, ex-wife and I were overpaid working tax credits while we were together and were re-paying it by receiving £0 of our award each month.
We split up, she put in a single claim and now has a WTC award.
HMCR sent each of us a letter stating we had joint & several liability for the remaining joint 'debt' and we had to repay it in full within 7 days!
I appealed, claiming (correctly) that it was their mistake which led to the overpayment in the first place. Reply - appeal rejected, pay within 7 days!
I contacted them and agreed to repay 1/2 the balance on a monthly basis which I have honoured. My ex agreed to repay the other 1/2 on a monthly basis by direct debit but the paperwork 'disappeared' en-route to HMRC.
We've both now received a county court claim for the full amount. HMRC wont discuss it any further with me and said I must write a covering letter to the CC explaining the situation and basically wait for their decision.
Obviously I don't want a CCJ (my credit history is impeccable) but I feel my hands are tied.
To my mind, why should I get a CCJ when I'm honouring the agreement I made with HMRC and the 'debt' is actually being paid off (regardless of by whom).
CAB were no real help so if anyone has any ideas........