P2L

We've got a couple of friends in the UK who work for Inland Revenue and even their claim is not processed correctly. So no hope for Joe Bloggs then

Staar

We've been in NZ seven weeks now and after a month of being here we had letters from Family tax credit in the UK, saying we owed several thousand pounds from three years ago!!! Hubby used to be self employed so maybe thats how they got our NZ address Anyhoo, Hubby gets on the phone to them and explains that they always received up to date accounts from our accountant (so, we were'nt to blame)and that there was no way we could afford to re-pay this amount! They said they'd get back to us. Then this morning we received some paperwork from them "explaining why we owe/ how to pay back"... yeah right like thats gonna happen! Not getting tax credits anymore but am still receiving child benefit although told them twice in the UK to cancel my payments!!! So who's to blame!!! Silly buggers!

P2L

Be aware there is a reciprical tax agreement between the two countries so they may be able to claw it back I would read the small print on both countries Inland Revenue websites if I was you

kato33

But surely if you dont tell them your leaving the country how the hell are they gonna find you in NZ????

I ain't telling them nothing but this has made me worry a bit......

simonmarkellis

hi Nici,

how are your plans? I didn't want to tell them either, but Louise (OH) had a guilt complex, seeing it as benefit fraud and she couldn't get the picture out of her mind of being arrested at Heathrow should we ever return or come back for a holiday.

Simon

kato33

Hiya Simon,

The people buying the house have messed us around for 5 weeks......grrrr
Someone else has put an offer in yesterday though so hopefully, fingers crossed, things should start moving so to speak..........hopefully us!!!!

IR are taking 20 quid a week from me at the mo and I am not going to pay anymore once i leave. I dont see it as benefit fraud purely for the reason that when it was first realised about overpayments the IR stated that those in hardship ( immigrants ) would not have to pay it back, so if they don't have to then neither am I.

Hows your plans coming along?

simonmarkellis

Slowly,

Our buyer has just been elusive, but hopefully we'll exchange this week and complete next. The packers are turning up next wednesday (PSS). Once i've got the money from the house sale, then i can get the plane tickets. Mail has been redirected, just got to cancel al the utilities/phone/insurances etc - god, the stress levels were going through.........

dlmckay

NZ doesn't have a child benefit system like the UK does. The Working Families Tax Credit is new (about a year or two old I think) and has been a life saver for my family. Without it, we were facing having to sell the house to make ends meet.

There is also a very good childcare subsidy to help pay for daycare and after school clubs
http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/man...sidy.htm#P1_74

garryhg

hi

we are under the impression that if earnings are over 75k you are not entitled to wftcredits,can anyone tell me if thats true.. thanks

dlmckay

Depends on how many kids you have and how old they are....
https://interact1.ird.govt.nz/forms/famcalc2008/
here's the calculator. If you have 2 children under 12, on 75K you're still entitled to $43 a week...

weebossyboots

Thanks for that, that's very helpful (though hopefully they are better organised than the UK equivelant)

jill1420

I just phoned up child benefit line and was informed that if your going to NZ permanently your money stops the monday after you leave. If you are staying 12 months or less you get 26 weeks payment whilst in NZ.

jill1420

Im guessing you are not entitled to anything unless you have PR? I know thats the case in OZ.

futurama

We have rung and told them we are leaving, but I hope they mess up and keep paying into my UK account. It would be nice to get something back

weebossyboots

oh bum - thought it was too good to be true