How many working hours per week gives you the best tax credits

Gustav_Schmint

Hi

My wife is the director for her own online accessories business. She currently earns a small wage from the business (£6468 per year) but looks after our twin one year old boys full time. She works for the business on an evening in her spare time.

Because of the hours she completes on an evening and weekend you could say she works a 32 hour week.

Our business is struggling and although my wife earns a wage from the business we can't draw the money out as it is needed to cover other expenses. This has left us with financial troubles.

You could be thought of as correct to say she works 0 hours per week as she is doing full time childcare although you could also say she does 16 hours per week and even 32 hours per week.

With regards to tax credits as I am due to fill the form in this week which would it be better to write on the form - 0 hours / 16 hours or 32 hours?

We really need all the support we can get

Thanks in advance
Jon

Morgan_Ree

Work out exactly what she does every week then average it out for the month

So if she's doing 16 one week then 32 the next the average would be 24 pw.

bestpud

It would better to state the number of hours she actually works! :cool:

Do you work?

dmg24

bestpud wrote: »

It would better to state the number of hours she actually works! :cool:

Do you work?

I didn't think honesty was the done thing with benefits?

Loopy_Girl

You can't put 0 hours as a) it's quite clearly a lie and b) when she submits her SA, questions will be asked as to how she is running a business but not putting any hours in.

As stated, put the amount of hours. If it varies then use a one month period and divide by 4 for an average week.

Just because she works evenings and weekends, it doesn't mean it doesn't count!

themonkeybutler

As Bestpud said, just tell the truth rather than trying to defraud the system and every honest taxpayer.

flashnazia

Makes my posting more pertinent:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2557821

dmg24

Do you have a question about your benefits entitlement flashnazia?

Hammyman

Gustav_Schmint wrote: »

With regards to tax credits as I am due to fill the form in this week which would it be better to write on the form - 0 hours / 16 hours or 32 hours?

We really need all the support we can get

Thanks in advance
Jon

The difference between 16hrs and >30 is just £500 for the year. If you're working as well then if the sum total of the pair of you is over 30hrs, then there is no financial advantage. If you are working 30hrs or more, there is no financial advantage. Is it worth risking being caught out for a tenner a week?

AnxiousMum

In brief, an answer to your question.....

the best number of hours per week is the correct number of hours per week It gets you your exact entitlement.

Owain_Moneysaver

Gustav_Schmint wrote: »

My wife is the director for her own online accessories business. She currently earns a small wage from the business (£6468 per year) ....
Because of the hours she completes on an evening and weekend you could say she works a 32 hour week.

Not complying with minimum wage legislation you can't.

£6468 / £5.80 = 1115 hours per year, / 52 = 21.4 hrs per week.