I havent paid tax/NI since 2003

tk421_3

Hi chaps,

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, It wasn't clear where to post this sor of question.

Ill keep this as short as i can. I know im in a really really bad position here, please dont judge me, as believe you me I have been killing myself for years now and its time to get back on top of things.

I worked freelance doing sales on and off for the same company for a number of years, the first 2 i made about £40k, the 3rd i made about £20k and since then i havent made a great deal. I've been abroad on and off, ive done lots of unpaid work for my parents helping them out on their business, and ive done some cash in hand work as well.

Ive been scared out of my mind for eyars and just havent had he guts to do anything about it. I dont know what to do now and want to at least get back on some type of track.

My sales work was invoiced and for the most part (the first couple of years where i earned the most money), I was paid in cheques which i cashed at a cheque cashing place. Later on, it went through my bank. The last 2 years I have earned nothing apart from the odd cash in hand type of job, and ive lived mainly off selling stuff i have got (such as music equipment, rare records etc) to private buyers.

I've never tried to claim any benefits or anything. Im scared stiff to even get temp job as i might get found out. I registered as self employed at the start of 2003 and thats it - i have ignored any correspondance i have had since.

I now have depression, i have lost everything about myself and am literally stuck in a cycle of worry, sadness and have lost all self esteem. I know a lot of this is down to my stupid actions.

I dont know what to do - I am just working for myself trying to build a business up (it hasnt started yet but im hoping it will in a few months and i want to do things by the book).

Again, please please dont reply telling me im bad etc, i know all that, but i would so appreciate any help at all anyone can give me.

What a mess, and what a moron!!

Thanks so much in advance

tilly2484

I haven't got any advice really other than maybe speaking to Direct Gov without giving your name and just see if they have any advice. Or CAB? or maybe you could speak to an accountant so see if they can get you back on track tax wise? Do you at least have records of all your earnings since 2003?

there is a related thread here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3075308

Pretty sure if you own up to HMRC they can put something together and the penalties will be a lot lighter.

Just wanted to say I hope it all turns out ok. The main thing is you want to get back on track. Well done for coming on the boards :-)

Tixy

Get some free advice from business debtline to start and see what they say/suggest. http://www.bdl.org.uk/

skintandscared_2

I would definitely get together all the information I can on a tax-year basis (so 6th April to 5th April). Go through bank statements and write down whatever you can remember just to get a rough idea of each year's earnings (or not!)

Then phone HMRC on a no-names basis and explain your situation. I am sure they will do everything they can to help you work out what you owe and the penalties MAY not be too bad as you've approached them yourself. Then you can work out a way to start repaying the missed tax/NI and get back on track.

Put it this way, the situation isn't going to get any better unless you do something, and you don't deserve to have this wreck the rest of your life. Good luck.

PlutoinCapricorn

I have left a reply in the Cutting Tax board, but wanted to say that Citizens Advice is a good idea, as in getting an accountant to deal with HMRC on your behalf. It is a good idea to think things through and consider your options.

You could try volunteering for a charity to build up confidence. If you have been abroad and not claiming JSA, you will not have a P45 to give to a new employer, so they would ask you to complete a P46. This might alert HMRC, who might ask what you have been doing.