How do I check my employment status?

mayonaize

I was unemployed and claiming JSA - as part of the signing off process I was directed into moving over to Working Tax Credits as I would be becoming self-employed.

I filled out (many) forms - including tax, and those to set up paying NI (a couple of pounds a month or something it was) and have been receiving the Working Tax Credits weekly.

This was at the beginning of the year and recently got the NI forms back saying they couldn't put it through as I wasn't registered self employed(?).

Now I'm completely confused (and a a bit scared) and need to find out what's going on - plus I just downloaded the self-employment forms (again) and they state you'll get charged £100 if you tell them more than 3 months from starting work.

hanny83_2

Just to clarify.. have you actually registered as self-employed with HMRC? If so, have you received your Unique Tax Raference number (UTR). It should be a 10 digit number.

Regards.

mayonaize

hanny83 wrote: »

Just to clarify.. have you actually registered as self-employed with HMRC? If so, have you received your Unique Tax Raference number (UTR). It should be a 10 digit number.

Regards.

I don't think so.. which means I am not presumably. I don't understand how, in that case, I am 'registered' as receiving Working Tax Credits?

I can download the self-employment forms and go through that process (possibly for the second time - much of this confusion is down to my own forgetfulness regarding which of the MANY forms I've filled out is for what I guess).. but worry they're going to ask for this money back or something or other.

There is the distinct possibility this is down to my old adviser at the JC not posting a form, or giving me a particular form when I started all this(?). I honestly don't know.

Other than actually having the bit of presumably posted paper how can I check if I have a tax number?

hanny83_2

Well I think that you can receive WTC if you are either emp or s/emp. But in order to become self-employed you will need to register your company with HMRC http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/selfemployed/ This link should help. This is the first step to registering to become self employed. It is a lengthy process I'm afraid but it is necessary to avoid repercussions like tax evasion.

You could always pop down to your local Inland Revenue (you need to make an appointment first) to discuss this in further detail. There is a helpline number, this is 0845 915 4515. This will help you register for other things such as VAT and NI. I think they can help you attend a work shop on becoming self-employed also.

Tax is quite taxing I'm afraid, there are lots of different elements to take into account but it is important to become properly registered so that when you complete your self-assessment tax returns they will be able to calculate your WTC as I'm assuming you will be starting self-employment on a low wage until your business is more established. Plus you really don't need the hassle from compliance inspectors for not declaring your taxes.

I only know all this as I used to work on self-assessment at HMRC, if I were in your shoes I wouldn't have had a clue about this sort of thing either. It's a pity that the WTC people could not advise you on registering to become s/emp. I'm sorry I do not know too much about WTC but I do hope this helps.

Good luck.

Conor_3

hanny83 wrote: »

It is a lengthy process I'm afraid but it is necessary to avoid repercussions like tax evasion.

It isn't if you phone the number to register. Name, address, NI number, business name, type of work done, start date.