Does anyone have any advice for the following:
My wife came over to the UK in 2005. Our baby was born in 2006. I applied for Child Benefit in my name only and was told by the tax credits people I should do likewise for Child and Working Tax Credits. I later found out in 2007 that tax credits works differently in that her name has to be on it. My wife doesn't work and nor does she have a national insurance number. I called them to tell them this; they stopped my tax credits and sent in a letter saying that by the end of the tax year, I would have been overpayed by about £1500. I appealed in writing and on the form they sent me but it didn't get overturned.
They then said I should get my wife to get a NI number and they would then CONSIDER it once I put it in writing again, asking them to give me notional relief. I thought I would wait until she gets her ILR as she got FLR in 2007. I'm just about to send off the forms now. However, I just got another letter from the tax credits people telling me that this letter they sent me is their final decision. It's a strange letter in that they seem to be still assuming I'm single even though I told them I'm not and I put it in writing when I appealed.
So, they're asking me if I wish to write to them appealing this (again?) or call them to reach an agreement.
1. Any suggestions as to what I should do?
2. If I do decide to or if I have to pay back this £1500, can I pay them back in instalments?
Thanks