How to Obtain Child Maintenance via the Child Maintenance Service for a Self-Employed or Limited Company Paying Parent
1. Understanding the Child Maintenance Service (CMS)
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is the UK government department responsible for ensuring that non-resident parents contribute financially to their children’s upbringing. However, when the paying parent is self-employed or owns a limited company, calculating and enforcing payments can be more complex.
2. Initiating a Child Maintenance Claim
Contact CMS: Apply online, by phone, or request a paper application.
Provide Necessary Details: You will need details of the paying parent's income, employment status, and company details (if applicable).
CMS Fees: There is no longer an application fee to use the Child Maintenance Service
3. Assessing Income When the Paying Parent is Self-Employed
Unlike salaried employees whose earnings are easy to verify via PAYE records, self-employed individuals have more control over how they report income. Remember
CMS primarily relies on HMRC tax records.
They use the most recent available tax return (Self Assessment) to determine gross income.
If income fluctuates, CMS can take an average over multiple years.
Its important to realise hearsay is not evidence. Driving flashy cars, big houses etc do not determine the CM payment. Its the taxable income, taken from HMRC records that counts.
4. Challenges with Self-Employed Paying Parents
Underreported Income: Some self-employed individuals minimize declared income through tax deductions. And some dont declare the money as they receive it in cash, then it will never be recorded.
Irregular Income: Seasonal fluctuations or business expenses can affect reported income.Delays in Tax Filings: If the latest tax return isn't available, CMS may use an older one.
5. Assessing Income When the Paying Parent Owns a Limited Company
If the paying parent is a director or shareholder in a limited company the CMS will initiallly produce a calculation based solely on their salary which is reported to HMRC. CMS dont take their word for it, they get the information from HMRC
Dividends
CMS can also consider dividends drawn from the company. The paying parent will need to be a shareholder of the company. Being just a director, does not mean they have shares. Only a shareholder can be paid dividends.
As CMS use HMRC data, after the initial calculation is produced, the receiving parent has to go to the CMS and ask for the dividends to be taken into account. They wont be taken into account automatically, so its possible for a shareholder to receive dividends for years and not have to pay CM money on that income.
This is perfectly legal and normal. Dividends are only included if asked for. If you are a receiving parent and you want the dividends to be included you must ask for a variation due to dividends. CMS can refuse if it is a speculative application. It must be a credible ask. So for example the receiving parent should state they know the paying parent receives dividends as they have told them, or they know the accounts because they used to do the accounts.
If you are a paying parent, and the dividend variation is made, they will just get the information from HMRC. You dont need to submit evidence. CMS will write to you. Its important to point out, this is just a procedure. If you are a paying parent you dont have to declare your dividends, and you wont get into trouble when this process is started. The inclusion of dividends is only valid for the tax year used, and going forwards. You will not have to pay for dividends from previous tax years.
If the paying parent is self employed, then asking for dividends is not credible, because the self employed work for themselves and they dont earn dividends. Only a shareholder in a company can receive dividends.
So if the receiving parent asks for dividends due to the paying parent being self emplyed the application will be refused
Companies can pay pension contributions direct to a pension scheme. Again this is legal, but the CMS may consider it to be a Diversion of Income if the Contributions are excessive.
So if the paying parent is paid £12,000 per year, and then receives £12,000 in direct pension contributiosn that would be seen as excessive.
CMS would take a position on that, meaning that the CMS may be adjusted upwards.
Excessive Retained Profits
Whilst it is ok to retain profits, if it is being seen to be excessive, and the paying parent is a sole director it may be viewed as diversion.
Have a plan. If you need to retain profit for a big investment, document the process. There was a tribunal case where CMS lost because they said that a new vehicle fleet was only purchased to avoid CMS.
Directors Loans
Directors may receive loans, and not repay them to the company. That is legal, but if the loan is not paid off it becomes taxable.
As this point it then becomes subject to CMS. CMS will value the entire loan as income and charge CMS on it.
Remember
CMS can request company accounts to identify additional income sources.
If necessary, CMS can apply a "variation" to include additional income streams (e.g., retained profits, benefits in kind).
6. Requesting a Variation for Hidden or Misreported Income
If you suspect that the paying parent is underreporting their income, you can request a variation:
Undeclared Dividends: If they pay themselves via dividends but report a low salary. Remember, this is not illegal and is best practive to reduce tax. But a low salary does not mean that someone is dodging CMS.
Retained Profits: If their company holds profits instead of distributing them.
Lifestyle Inconsistencies: If they live beyond their reported means (e.g., luxury assets, holidays).
To request a variation:
Provide CMS with evidence (e.g., company accounts, bank statements, property ownership records). Some of this may be obtained from companies house.
Remember any document sent to CMS must be legally obtained. If not it cannot be used by CMS to conduct assessments.
A common mistake is to use Form E paperwork from a divorce settlement. If permission has not been sought from the court, and an order granted, it is illegal to use the information for CMS purposes and the user can be found guilty of contempt of court.CMS may contact HMRC or investigate further.
7. Enforcement Actions if the Paying Parent Avoids Payment
If the paying parent fails to pay:
Deduction from Earnings Order: For those who pay themselves via PAYE through their own company.
Deduction from Bank Accounts: If money is held in personal or business accounts.
Liability Order & Bailiffs: CMS can take court action to seize assets.
Charging Order & Sale of Property: In extreme cases, CMS can force the sale of assets.
8. Seeking Additional Support
Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor or family law specialist if you encounter resistance.
Financial Investigation Unit (FIU): CMS has specialist teams to investigate complex financial arrangements.
Parliamentary & Ombudsman Complaints: If CMS fails to act effectively, you can escalate your case.
Conclusion
While obtaining child maintenance from a self-employed or limited company paying parent can be more challenging, persistence and using all available CMS options can help ensure fair contributions. If necessary, seek professional advice to strengthen your case.
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