The Mystery Shopping thread - part 6

nads

matsmum wrote: »

Hi, I am really sorry if I sound a bit thick on this subject, but I would be so grateful if some of you more experienced mystery shoppers could give me some clues on the tax and national insurance implications. I became a mystery shopper a couple of weeks ago and have already done a mystery shop, with two more in the pipeline. I realise I need to get my tax and NI sorted out, and have read the notes at the beginning of this thread over and over again, but I am just going round in circles and getting myself in a pickle Please could someone explain:

(1) In the CWF1, what would I put down as 'company name'? Would this just be my own name?
(2) Once I have completed the CWF1 and the CF10, do I just send them off, and that's it?
(3) The CF10 is obviously only applicable to the end of this tax year. Do I need to complete one of these at the beginning/end of each tax year?
(4) I am planning on going back to work later this year but will probably carry on doing mystery shopping. Do I need to tell the HMRC about this?

Sorry again for sounding so dim, but this is the first time I have ever had to have anything to do with tax/NI on a self employed basis and I feel a bit overwhelmed by it all. Loving the mystery shopping side of it though so I think it will all be worth while.

Thank you in advance - any tips would gratefully received.

Hi mattsmum,

Don't worry I'm pretty much in the same position!

For (1) Don't need to put anything I think it's something you only need to do if you register for VAT.

For (2) Yes just send the forms off

For (3) Yes, I think you need one for each tax year.

For (4) I'm in the same boat as you about this so unsure as hopfully I will have a permanent job too. fingers crossed.

johnny_c-l

Loolabell wrote: »

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Soooooo funny, i hate it when that happens!!! and you always try and make it look discreet aswell!!!

But even better when you get a wink from the MOS whose chest you've been staring at!!

Hollypear

Timmne wrote: »

I did a supermarket this evening, too. I think I worried/raised suspicions though as I got caught by a girl looking at her chest whilst she was trying to explain where marscapone cheese was :eek:

I was in fact just trying to read the ridiculously small name on those new badges! :rotfl:

Mmmm Yes Timmne we all believe you
LOL:rotfl::rotfl:

matsmum

nads wrote: »

Hi mattsmum,

Don't worry I'm pretty much in the same position!

For (1) Don't need to put anything I think it's something you only need to do if you register for VAT.

For (2) Yes just send the forms off

For (3) Yes, I think you need one for each tax year.

For (4) I'm in the same boat as you about this so unsure as hopfully I will have a permanent job too. fingers crossed.

Thanks nads

It's reassuring to know that I'm not the only one lol! Thanks for the info. I think it's just a little bit daunting having to deal with tax issues for the first time and I'm so worried about doing something wrong. This time next year, we'll all probably be doing our tax returns and wondering what we were worrying about :j

apcorbett

pebblespop wrote: »

do you have a full time job as well? i am trying my best to avoid the free meals etc now and go for ones with a fee. i need the cash for my debts!

i think sod the tax as well. it's only 20% of profit which shouldn't be more than £150./£200.

Even if they are just a 'free' meal, you are getting a free meal, and therefore can put the money you would have spent having a meal to better uses - This also has the added advantage of offsetting a small amount of tax if you make a paper loss on these ones..

ellie9ellie

Anyone got paid by TNS yet? I thought they paid on the 27th.

homeworkgirl

Well things seem to be really bad in my area on the MS front. There is just one job on RE, have not seen any for ages on GFK, not much on Gap or the others either. Anyone else finding it bad?

pebblespop

apcorbett wrote: »

Even if they are just a 'free' meal, you are getting a free meal, and therefore can put the money you would have spent having a meal to better uses - This also has the added advantage of offsetting a small amount of tax if you make a paper loss on these ones..

i know but i am trying to get into matched betting as well so don't want to tie up £40 or whatever on a meal till i get paid from the ms co.

i will probably start picking these up again when the tax bill is looming!!

pebblespop

homeworkgirl wrote: »

Well things seem to be really bad in my area on the MS front. There is just one job on RE, have not seen any for ages on GFK, not much on Gap or the others either. Anyone else finding it bad?

i am in north west and have hardly seen any jobs.

there were loads before christmas so maybe different regions are busy at different times???

nads

homeworkgirl wrote: »

Well things seem to be really bad in my area on the MS front. There is just one job on RE, have not seen any for ages on GFK, not much on Gap or the others either. Anyone else finding it bad?

I've never found it great ever (somewhere in the east midlands I am) but last week was ok and I picked up about 4 banks and 2 stores.

I've never had anything on RE but GfK and GRG have been steady.