Over the last year, as some of you know, I have been under investigation by HMRC. Almost two years after retiring (self employed) my name was drawn 'out of a hat' for investigation. The time the investigation was aimed at was when I was basically semi retired. I had taken 25% payouts of private pensions and had monthly income from them. Christine had retired from Waitrose and had taken her pension , again 25% cash, but continued to work for them as a 'retired working partner'. She also received full state pension, and the waitrose monthly pension.
However, despite these facts HMRC still decreed that the monies in my business account did not amount to a living wage. He demanded all joint and personal statements dating back to 2009. I have had to copy my mothers accounts, and even certain statements from the Community Centre, when we had changed a personal cheque for cash.
When my daughter was made redundant, she asked us to have the money so she would not spend it, as they were a bit tight for cash at the time. I have been asked to get my daughters accounts to prove it. Each time this has cost me money getting all these statements, and I have been lucky having access to my mothers and the Community Centre accounts.
We had to provide proof of Mother in Law's pension slips, as Chris is her 'carer', and to prove what two cheques paid into the current account in 2009 were for !!!!! Impossible
However, I have just received a mail from my accountant, that HMRC have now decided that there is nothing to pursue any further, and is closing the investigation.
The business had always been run above board, even declaring the few cash receipts I received. But we have been made to feel like common criminals.
Sorry to post this, but I needed an outlet, as I now feel a massive weight has just been taken off my back.
I just hope none of you have to suffer this !!
