tax credit investigations from 5 year ago

[joko]

my friend reckons she knows someone whos job it it to phone people up and investigate them for tax credit benefits they claimed 5 years ago - something to do with checking the tax paid at that time to see if they were claiming benefits while working - or something...didnt really get the whole thing, as it was an informal chat

this seems a long time ago...why would they be doing this from 5 years ago? and does this include other benefits such as JSA and housing?

i am just concerned because around 5 years ago i did 2 weeks work, and didnt bother to sign off because it was quite a sudden job start and i just didnt get round to it...(no excuse i know) and it also seemed too much hassle - forms and stuff for dole an housing etc....the pay was buttons too, so i just thought it was a one off, ill let it go, but they said theyd pay the tax on it with my details.

i have never done it since - so PLEASE NO LECTURES OR RANTS ON THE LAW ETC - i know i did wrong, i was just completely skint...

i'd just like to know realistically what will happen...will i have to just pay it back ?

i was very skint that year having not long been out of college an struggling to find work...someone told me low earners dont have to pay any tax...?...so would the company have paid it on my behalf?

[ummmm]

Worse case scenario joko is that you will have to pay it back. Very very unlikely this far down the line though.

[tamborine]

2 weeks work so long ago is not worth an IR inspectors time to investigate - you're in the clear, dont worry.

[cassa333]

Perhaps your friend is just trying to put the wind up you?