WTC compliance check - cancel claim ?

theartist22

Hi everyone,

I'm a self-employed artist and made a new claim for WTC credits about three weeks ago. Two days ago I received a letter from the compliance operations stating they wanted me to provide breakdown of hours worked, invoices, receipts, passport and a whole lot of other documents.

I would be happy to provide all these documents but my problem is that I'm now realising that the work I do as an artist (almost all unpaid) isn't likely count towards the 30 hours which means I'm in fact not eligible for WTC.

Does anyone know if it's possible to cancel a new claim which is under investigation or would I have to pay some sort of penalty fees or even worse, be prosecuted for giving false information?

Many thanks,

Horseunderwater

Are you making stuff for 30 hours per week and promoting it for sale either by using a gallery or locally sponsered wall hangings in a bar or cafe or post office or some such way like the internet/web site? If so just document all that and see how many hours you do qualify for per week. If it averages out to 30 hours per week you should be OK.

HappyMJ

Just provide what you have. An artist such as yourself may be commissioned to produce something. Whatever time you spend on that activity counts. Also any time spent on collecting the materials needed can also count. Any time spent seeking new clients or producing work for demonstration can also count. How did you get to the figure of 30 hours?

theartist22

Hey horseunderwater,

Thank's for your quick answer. The problem is that I'm a video artist, which means I spend most of my time either doing research or shooting/ editing. Not really sure how to provide proof of me working those hours. Also, so far there's been no income from those activities. I became self employed last november and have been living of savings and occasional commercial video editing jobs.

I think I've come to the conclusion that I rather not get on the WTC but I wonder if it's possible to back out of a claim ?

Horseunderwater

Surely you use time coding on the Video shoots? If so that can be used as proof.

Hang_Tight_Harry

To answer your question, yes, you can cancel the claim. It is unlikely you'll be investigated or charged.