Please Help: Working Tax Credit Claim

aliasgill

I have been unemployed and claiming Job Seekers Allowance from May 06 until February 2007. I then decided to try and set up in business self-employed so I signed off benefits on 3 March and made an application for Working Tax Credits as a single person on low income.

I recently got a reply from HM Revenue & Customs. They have asked for more information so my claim can be examined in full so they can decide whether or not tax credits are due.

They have asked me to give them the following information:

1) My P60's and P45's for the tax year ended 2006.
2)Original statements from all my bank accounts and building society accounts for the last 3 months.
3) My most recent mortgage statement or a copy of my rental agreement.
4)My Council Tax Bill for 2006/2007.
5)My most recent gas, electricity and telephone bills.
6)Estimated earnings for 2006/2007.
7)Business Plan and Profit & Loss Information for my self-employed business.
8)Proof of the hours I work.

Is it usual to be asked to give so much detailed information ? Some of the information dealing with my finances from 2005, what relevance does that have regards my current financial situation ie going self-employed.
Why do they need it all when I have already supplied so much information regarding my finances etc when applying for Job Seekers Allowance and Council Tax Benefit ?

I cannot afford to get any tax or financial advice on this matter. I have used all of my savings to set myself up in business and now I am not receiving JSA things are very tight financially for me and I was not expecting such a delay in receiving help via Working Tax Credit.

I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give. Thanks in advance.