Tax Return - my heads been in the sand!!!

billybraggtastic

I've got a tax return to do for 08/09 and I am up the preverbial creek.

2008 was a dreadful year as my business went to the wall. I had a short spell on JSA before I got a job - but that only lasted 2mths.

The problems are I have literally no paperwork for my Tax Return.

I only have Wage Slips for my period of employment with my company (Ltd). The Liquidator couldn't do my P45 for some reason and I never chased them up.

Then the JSA kicked in and was a bit of a muddle but I did not get a P45 from them when I took my next job.

My next job just didn't take off and I only received two payments and no wage slip of P45 - the company have probably treated me as Self Employed - though that wasn't how it was supposed to be at the outset - and I know I am going to be left with a tax element to pay.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for guidance on how I am going to complete a Tax Return (and any pointers on reducing the liabilty for the 'Self Employed' period)?

thanks
bbt

wigglebeena

It's going to have to be an online one at this point - get straight on the phone to HMRC as it can take a while even to get this done. The appropriate numbers are on their website. Be full and frank with them about your paperwork probs and ask their advice - I've very rarely spoken to an HMRC bod who wasn't friendly and helpful. They may be able to provide the info you need themselves.

The fine for late filing is £100, but I think there are also daily additions to this. But if you 'fess up and ask nicely maybe they will freeze this.

fengirl_2

It doesnt actually have to be an online form. HMRC have to accept a paper return, but if you pay the tax due by 31 Jan, then you cannot be fined.
You seem to be in a bit of a muddle and I wonder if it might just be worth seeing an accountant for this year. HMRC wont help you do your accounts or complete your return, although they might calculate your tax given the figures, but then so can we.

wigglebeena

fengirl knows what's what! btw fengirl, while on the subject: what's the earliest you can submit a return? (Guess what my New Year's resolution is...)

fengirl_2

I guess the earliest is when HMRC's website will enable you to, or, if submitting on paper, as soon as you receive the paper copy.
As an ex HMIT, I was always suspicious of early returns and woul wonder whether sufficient care had gone into their completion.

wigglebeena

Not to worry, however stout my resolution you can guarantee it'll take a couple of months more than I expect!

stagey_2

Fengirl - oo! I was going to do my husbands tax return early asap (when it's usually much later) because he is 65 on 29/3 - and will want to get everything sorted to try and ensure he gets a pretty accurate tax code for 10/11 especially as he is very unlikely to be doing any s/e building work from hereonafter -

clairewop

can anyone help me i've posted on another thread and haven't had an answer yet.

i make jewellery for occupational therapy and am on incapacity benefit, and am allowed to earn £20 a week on top of my benefits. i'm filling in my tax return now and its asking me if i'm exempt from paying class 4 nics? i'm not sure

wigglebeena

clairewop wrote: »

can anyone help me i've posted on another thread and haven't had an answer yet.

i make jewellery for occupational therapy and am on incapacity benefit, and am allowed to earn £20 a week on top of my benefits. i'm filling in my tax return now and its asking me if i'm exempt from paying class 4 nics? i'm not sure

There should be a little green question mark next to this section. If you click it it will tell you the exact categories who are exempt, though off the top of my head I can't remember what they are beyond under 16s and over 65s.

suso

clairewop wrote: »

can anyone help me i've posted on another thread and haven't had an answer yet.

i make jewellery for occupational therapy and am on incapacity benefit, and am allowed to earn £20 a week on top of my benefits. i'm filling in my tax return now and its asking me if i'm exempt from paying class 4 nics? i'm not sure

class 4 NI is based on profits from self employment, if your profits from Self Employment are over 5000 (ish) then you pay NI of 8%

If you earn less then no class 4 contributions are charged,

Say you are not exempt from class 4, but if your earnings are less then the threshold then no problem, they will not be charged.

billybraggtastic

billybraggtastic wrote: »

My next job just didn't take off and I only received two payments and no wage slip or P45 - the company have probably treated me as Self Employed - though that wasn't how it was supposed to be at the outset - and I know I am going to be left with a tax element to pay.

thanks
bbt

Anyway - back to me

Managed to make some headway but hit a snag with this one. The online SA wants the Employer's PAYE Reference - which I don't have and the online form won't let me move on without it.

Any suggestions?