[Emmylou81]

Hello all... after lots of pressure from family and friends, I decided to bite the bullet and ring HMRC this morning to find out if me and my partner are eligible for claiming tax credits.

As I suspected we're not, however whats really worrying me now is, because they couldnt confirm my identity (due to a change in address) - they want me to attend a meeting

Does this mean I am in trouble?... I think my N.I no. and details are registered to my mothers address which is where I lived until just over a year ago however any correspondance I receive goes to my mum's address as I never bothered to change details with my bank/mobile phone company etc.
The only proof of address I will have is from recent letters received from my local hospital regarding my current pregnancy...Is this enough? Im so worried!

[Beau_Soir]

Did you not ask them what the meeting was regarding? If I was you I would call back and find out.

[Emmylou81]

Originally Posted by Beau_Soir

Did you not ask them what the meeting was regarding? If I was you I would call back and find out.

The lady said it would be to confirm my identity ...I need to take a passport or driving license and proof of i.d.

[Keefy-boy]

Unless you've defrauded HMRC you have nothing at all to worry about.

But surely you have a Council Tax bill at your current address?

[Emmylou81]

Originally Posted by Keefy-boy

Unless you've defrauded HMRC you have nothing at all to worry about.

But surely you have a Council Tax bill at your current address?

Nope this is the thing, the only benefit I claim is child benefit for my little girl.
Ah, didn't think of council tax. My partner pays all the bills so they are addressed to him but council tax will have both our names on.

[jmclaugh]

Yep, ring them and ask them what is the meeting for.

Btw you really should notify your bank etc of your change of address.

[Emmylou81]

Originally Posted by jmclaugh

Yep, ring them and ask them what is the meeting for.

Btw you really should notify your bank etc of your change of address.

Its obviously because they're suspective of me due to different address on their records.

I've never notified change of address because my mum still lives and will continue to live for the forseeable future at my old address therefore she passes any post on to me. We're renting privately which are usually one year lease at a time and depending on our situation (ie. expecting another baby so will probably move again) left things as they were simply for ease.

[Beau_Soir]

Originally Posted by Emmylou81

The lady said it would be to confirm my identity ...I need to take a passport or driving license and proof of i.d.

Well then why are you worrying? It seems fine to me.

[AtomicClock]

OP,I can understand why you are worried, its and official request, you probably don't have much experience with HMRC or any officials and it can seem intimidating but don't be. Its likely just a formality in that they are unble to verify you are who you say you are over the phone and just need to tick some boxes. It'll be fine!

[RandomSally]

If you don't change your address when you move why did you give them your current address when calling them about tax credits? ???

[peon]

Originally Posted by Emmylou81

Is this enough? Im so worried!

you are usually entitled to have HMRC tell you beforehand what will be on the agenda of any meeting they ask you to attend (i think)

[platelet]

Originally Posted by AtomicClock

OP,I can understand why you are worried, its and official request, you probably don't have much experience with HMRC or any officials and it can seem intimidating but don't be. Its likely just a formality in that they are unble to verify you are who you say you are over the phone and just need to tick some boxes. It'll be fine!

^^This

I left my address as my parents with the tax man for over a decade after I moved out, it was simpler than updating them every time I moved.

I would however update your bank whenever you move as it could impact your credit rating

[Emmylou81]

Originally Posted by RandomSally

If you don't change your address when you move why did you give them your current address when calling them about tax credits? ???

Because I was calling to make a new joint claim. I wasnt going to intentionally lie about where I'm living.

[Emmylou81]

Originally Posted by AtomicClock

OP,I can understand why you are worried, its and official request, you probably don't have much experience with HMRC or any officials and it can seem intimidating but don't be. Its likely just a formality in that they are unble to verify you are who you say you are over the phone and just need to tick some boxes. It'll be fine!

Thank you for the reassurance - I feel like a criminal when I havent even claimed anything and wasnt going to until friends/family told me I should. I havent informed change of address just simply for ease, after all Im quite happy with post going to my mums address. Also I know it will be in safe hands there.
If I'd known this was going to happen I would have informed tax office of my change of address but I didn't even know that you had to inform tax offices (esp. if i wasnt previously claiming anything from them anyway!)