Appealing Against A Tax Credit Decision

Dunroamin

jacques_chirac wrote: »

But it still is not providing you with sufficient income to live off?

Have these books been selling whilst you were on JSA - if so, I assume you declared the income?

And, if they weren't, what made you think that they would suddenly start doing so when you called it a business?

Truegho

Dunroamin wrote: »

And, if they weren't, what made you think that they would suddenly start doing so when you called it a business?

I must point out that I had a job as a temp Administrator when I first started selling my books. Any other extra income I might have earned when on the dole, as it was under 16 hrs, was accounted for by my having to fill in a form each time I signed on to declare how much I had earned, and that amount was just deducted accordingly from my benefit. I had to do this when I worked part-time at Tesco too. Not much gain at all there, as you are more or less working for your dole, which is why I have been trying EVERYWHERE for another full time job.

Wish me well, everybody, in my continual search for a full time job - and, of course, for my business to take off.

whiteg2

I didn't realise you could do that - I have been writing music in my spare time for many years- I have sold a couple of pieces and would love to do this full time but as the market is saturated, I would never be able to support myself- if I follow the OPs lead it seems that doesn't matter as I would get a top up from the government - mmm where are those other business ideas that I filed away....

Truegho

whiteg2 wrote: »

I didn't realise you could do that - I have been writing music in my spare time for many years- I have sold a couple of pieces and would love to do this full time but as the market is saturated, I would never be able to support myself- if I follow the OPs lead it seems that doesn't matter as I would get a top up from the government - mmm where are those other business ideas that I filed away....

Yes, the rule is, if you are working under 16 hrs pwk and getting paid, you don't need to sign off, but just fill in a form at the jobcentre etc. Of course, if you work over 16hrs pwk, you then have to sign off.

Ames

There's been a few threads lately on this subject, you could check out the advice on those... oh, hang in, you already did as you started them.

The rules aren't going to suddenly change if you leave it a few weeks before posting again.

Icequeen99

Truegho wrote: »

Does anybody know the address or email for appealing against a Working Tax Credit decision?

I have just been knocked back by Tax Compliance in Blackpool because of this ridiculous rule that my writing business is not yet earning enough to justify the 30 hrs I am spending working on my business. EVERY business person I have spoken to has assured me that the min wage is irrelevant with a new business, so I think I have good grounds to appeal.

So, who and where do I make my appeal to?

In preparing your appeal I suggest to familiarise yourself with the self-employed sections of the tax credits compliance manual.

It doesn't matter what every business person says about business generally and the minimum wage - to win the appeal you will need to show you meet the tax credits rules.

To claim you have to show that you are 'working in expectation of payment'. This means there has to be more than a hope of payment.

You should be keeping a diary of the hours worked leading up the appeal so you can show exactly what you are doing for your 30 hours.

Have you got a UTR number for tax? You can add that to your appeal and given them a copy of your small earnings exception or Class 2 contributions payments.

Bottom line is you need to show your are self-employed for tax credits purposes which is not the same as being self-employed for tax or any other purpose.

IQ

notanewuser

Truegho wrote: »

But my business IS a legitimate one, as I am not only selling a number of books every day on Amazon, but I am also offering a writing service to local businesses.

Have you many clients?

Truegho wrote: »

Your reply is, sadly, indicative of the considerable amount of prejudice that seems to exist against writers on these forums. What is it about you all that you can't accept a paid, published writer as a person who is offering a perfectly legitimate service???

Self publishing ebooks on amazon isn't quite as impressive as being published by a publishing house. Nor as lucrative. Hence the problem.

What are you making after fees? £5-10 a day?

MissMoneypenny

Truegho wrote: »

Your reply is, sadly, indicative of the considerable amount of prejudice that seems to exist against writers on these forums.

No prejuduce from me as my daughter is a writer. It was your only writing for 30 hours per week that amazed me as my daughter puts in at least 70/90 hours per week to earn money as a writer. She supports herself and has never claimed tax credits.

My daughter worked full time for years while she was writing in her spare time, to get established; hence why I suggested it to you. Yet on her now established writing business, she is still working more than double/triple the hours per week than you said you do, on your new writing business. Why only the 30 hours per week if you want to make a go of your writing?

davehughes182

Truegho wrote: »

Jobs? What are they? Have you tried coming down to Birkenhead to see how bad the unemployment situation is here? I am FED UP with sending off my CV, and never getting a reply. Hence my reason for "starting my own business".

If you are not picky there is a constant stream of CS jobs in The Contact Company based in Queensgate Birkenhead. Just ring HRGo and you will more than likely have a full time job in 48 hours. :T

jacques_chirac

Truegho wrote: »

But my business IS a legitimate one, as I am not only selling a number of books every day on Amazon, but I am also offering a writing service to local businesses. Your reply is, sadly, indicative of the considerable amount of prejudice that seems to exist against writers on these forums. What is it about you all that you can't accept a paid, published writer as a person who is offering a perfectly legitimate service???

As you are no doubt aware, a profitable business needs a unique selling point. I am intrigued what 'writing service' you are offering to local businesses, that they cannot do themselves?