Self Assessment - Mystery Shopping

misssarahleigh

I have read the basics regarding this, as far as i can tell i need to fill out a self employed form.

I need to list all my fee's v's my expence's (i have now done a spreadsheet)

Although, my questions are:

1) if i claim millage, do i have to keep reciept for petrol?
2) do i have to prove how far i traveled?

When filling in my tax form will i have to divide it into companies i work for (there are a lot) or simply how much i have earned?

I'm unsure how much detail i need to keep and what they expect from me?

TM1976

1) if i claim millage, do i have to keep reciept for petrol?
You can claim 40p a mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25p thereafter, for this you don't need to keep reciepts.

You can claim for a proportion of you actual car running costs, you need to keep a record of this expense.

2) do i have to prove how far i traveled?

You should keep a record, however you probably will not be requested to provide a copy.

3)When filling in my tax form will i have to divide it into companies i work for (there are a lot)

The income is all income from self employment (presumably you are talking about the mystery shopping here). So you just add it up enter a lump sum.

misssarahleigh

Thats fantastic, thank you so much for your help. Only started in September, so shall not have to fill any forms in till after April but wanted to understand what was needed so i could keep accurate records instead of making a mess.

In regards to running costs of my car, what would i be able to claim for that?

TM1976

misssarahleigh wrote: »

In regards to running costs of my car, what would i be able to claim for that?

Not if you claim 40p a mile as this is deemed to be inclusive of all running costs.

If you claim for actual costs you include all of your running costs including petrol and apportion it based on the mileage you did that related to your business. This option is more complicated and time consuming to apply so many people use the AMAP rate above.

By running costs - petrol, tax, insurance, MOT, repairs, tyres etc. + some capital allowances.

misssarahleigh

I think i shall stick with the simple 40p per mile.

I understand that i would have to keep records for expenses like files, office equipment and a % of internet bills etc

Do you know of anything thats easy to overlook that i may need to know?

TM1976

See this thread:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2222481

misssarahleigh

Your my little angel today :-)

I intend to offset:

50% of my internet bill - £7.50 a month so £3.75, as well as stationary etc

so, at the end of the tax year will i simply need to print out the bills from my online account to show i have paid them?

fengirl_2

No, you don't provide any evidence with your self assessment, which is why its called a self assessment. You just enter the income and expenditure and profit.
You keep your records for 6 yrs in case you are investigated.

misssarahleigh

You have very much put my mind at rest. All your comments have been very helpful.

Thanks