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Letter from HM revenue & customs
boczkowski
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boczkowski
Messages count : 1
Likes count : 0
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9 November 2007
hi all
first post - so hello - nice forum you've got here.
I joined with the intention of getting tips/help about setting up as a self employed 'writer'. I'm doing a Masters in Creative Writing and run the odd workshop in creative writing here and there. I've also helped out at the Uni where I am studying in other people's workshops.
Anyway - I got a letter from the revenue yesterday asking about what I have been doing since July '06 workwise.
To cut a long story short, I became ill in 2005, had 6 moths off work and eventually ended up resigning and taking them to a tribunal. I have CFS/ME and they acted like idiots with me making my position untenable, so I walked.
After that I 'worked' at the Uni - I was given a bursary so the tax/earnings thing is ok there, BUT, since July '06 (ish) I have done occasional 'work'.
This includes the odd £50 here and there for supporting these workshops as mentioned above (maybe total income £500-ish over a year from these assistant positions)
I have also earned about £400-ish from workshops which I have run myself in a 6th form college, and last week for a local authority group (council).
Now I know you are supposed to set yourself up within 3 months of becoming 'self employed' but my position is a weird one:
I am technically disabled (ME) but claim nothing in this area
I don't work a job but don't claim JSA
I stay at home with my 18 month old daughter as her carer/parent and am not paid for this
My 'work' is so sporadic and interspersed with periods of illness that things just keep getting put off.
So - what are you suggestions?
My bank account should they look at it shows these funds going in from the Uni (for the workshops & assisting - we don't need to worry about the bursary thing)
Am I gong to get hauled over the coals for earning about a grand over the last 15 or so months in an unregistered-untaxed capacity or what?
Suggestions/advice please
cheers
boczkowski
first post - so hello - nice forum you've got here.
I joined with the intention of getting tips/help about setting up as a self employed 'writer'. I'm doing a Masters in Creative Writing and run the odd workshop in creative writing here and there. I've also helped out at the Uni where I am studying in other people's workshops.
Anyway - I got a letter from the revenue yesterday asking about what I have been doing since July '06 workwise.
To cut a long story short, I became ill in 2005, had 6 moths off work and eventually ended up resigning and taking them to a tribunal. I have CFS/ME and they acted like idiots with me making my position untenable, so I walked.
After that I 'worked' at the Uni - I was given a bursary so the tax/earnings thing is ok there, BUT, since July '06 (ish) I have done occasional 'work'.
This includes the odd £50 here and there for supporting these workshops as mentioned above (maybe total income £500-ish over a year from these assistant positions)
I have also earned about £400-ish from workshops which I have run myself in a 6th form college, and last week for a local authority group (council).
Now I know you are supposed to set yourself up within 3 months of becoming 'self employed' but my position is a weird one:
I am technically disabled (ME) but claim nothing in this area
I don't work a job but don't claim JSA
I stay at home with my 18 month old daughter as her carer/parent and am not paid for this
My 'work' is so sporadic and interspersed with periods of illness that things just keep getting put off.
So - what are you suggestions?
My bank account should they look at it shows these funds going in from the Uni (for the workshops & assisting - we don't need to worry about the bursary thing)
Am I gong to get hauled over the coals for earning about a grand over the last 15 or so months in an unregistered-untaxed capacity or what?
Suggestions/advice please
cheers
boczkowski
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mikehadley
Messages count : 6Likes count : 0Registration : 8 June 2007I would just arrange to go and have a chat with old HMC (or do it over the phone if there isn't an office near you). Nothing much can go wrong. After all, you can earn something over £5000 before you pay any tax anyway, so you won't be stung for tax. My motto is to play as straight and honest as you can in these matters, unless you want to dodge and weave and are (or have) a very clever accountant. -
hellosmithy
Messages count : 23Likes count : 0Registration : 5 September 2007I think Mike's right, they're not going to go crazy over sums like these, especially since you wouldn't have to pay tax on it even if you declared it before. If you have an accountant maybe have a chat to them. -
dawnhutchinson
Messages count : 4Likes count : 0Registration : 16 November 2007I didn't have a problem
I can appreciate your situation - like you i was unaware that you had to inform them within 3 months and significantly ran over that period.
After I submitted my application I received a letter to say that I would have to explain why I did not register sooner or face a fine.
I sent them a letter back to say that I was unaware of the 3 month limit and that my earnings were below the personal allowance limit (about £4500 at the time - it's more now).
Eventually I recieved a letter notifying me that they would not fine me as my earnings were below the limit.