DMBM875100 – RLS: DMO procedures: Tax Credits: Household breakdown where only one claimant RLS

Household breakdown cases where only one claimant is known to be RLS

On initial notification of RLS status

• set the RLS signal on TBS and IDMS against the applicant who is RLS
• take no further action to trace a new address for the RLS applicant for eight weeks. During this period DMOs can continue with recovery of the outstanding liability against the non RLS applicant

Once eight weeks has elapsed

• check the IDMS record for a useable address (Business, Recovery and so on)
• check Taxpayers Business Service (TBS) for an alternative address
• telephone any available telephone numbers noted on IDMS, TBS and NTC systems
• in joint applicant cases, telephone the other claimant to obtain a new address and/or any relevant information
• telephone any agent noted as acting

Where a new address has not been traced

• prepare form RLS101
• note ‘Tax Credit case’ in the top left hand corner of the form RLS101 To assist Tracing Group to identify these cases
• forward the completed RLS101 to the Tracing Group Cumbernauld
• record an Action History note on IDMS detailing any relevant information obtained and the date the form RLS101 was passed to Tracing Group
• allow a minimum of three months for Tracing Group to complete their enquiries.

While enquiries are on-going DMOs can continue with recovery of the outstanding liability against the non RLS applicant.

Do not contact Tracing Group for an update on the trace progress unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Where appropriate DMOs should extend the BF date if it is clear from the IDMS Action History notes that trace enquiries are on-going.