I lied on my P46, what should I do?

by **JWAL** on Sat Sep 24, 2011 12:20 pm

I had been struggling to get a job for the last year, and I decided to experiment by putting a bogus employment history on my CV. The first job I applied for after this I was offered an interview, got through that, got invited to complete several tests, presentations, and a more interviews. I got the job. I'm not proud of what I've done, but this was the only way anyone let me get my foot through the door.

I had not considered the issues of a P45. When I finally realised what I had done I got worried, opted for the P46 and checked "B – This is now my only job, but since last 6 April I have had another job, or have received taxable Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or taxable Incapacity Benefit. I do not receive a state or occupational pension." And believe it or not I am now worried about the possible implications this could cause. Obviously HMRC will see I have not had a job. Could this cause a possible investigation? Am I going to get fined? Sacked?

I've gone from feeling so slow for struggling so much to find a job, to being so happy I have a job, to being low again now that I fear I am about to be caught. Does anyone have any advice?

by **mullet** on Sat Sep 24, 2011 12:49 pm

From HMRC's perspective it shouldn't be a big issue. They will (should) send you a P91, and in the meantime you will stay on the emergency code (747LX) on a week 1 basis. All this means is that you pay some tax each month. The P91 will ask you for employment details since 6 April - just return it with a letter explaining that you didn't have a job and lied to your new employer. At worst they will ask more questions. They cannot fine you for this. Enjoy your new job and don't let this worry you - it could take HMRC several months to deal with your P46, by which point it will be 2012-13 and you will be on a cumulative tax code.

by **JWAL** on Sat Sep 24, 2011 3:47 pm

Thank you very much for your prompt response.

Will HMRC send the P91 directly to myself, and not through the employer? I assume they will. Also from what I understood my new employer would see that I have not been paying tax since April 6th, and this could raise question. Is this true, are they able to see what tax I have paid over the last year? Or are you saying that it is likely to take HMRC so long to sort it out it will be a new tax year and will no longer matter?

Thanks again.

by **wamstax** on Fri Nov 11, 2011 12:36 pm

Of course if you do not respond to HMRC's P91 or any other request until after 5th April 2011 then HMRC will not issue what would be a cumulative code (with no previous pay or employment). Then after you get your P60 for your earnings to 5th April 2012 you could send this to HMRC to claim the tax refund that you would be entitled to in view of not having any other income in the year.

Get on with your job and make a success of it.