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Is this legitimate self-employment for WTC purposes?

ijrwe
ijrwe Posts: 428 Forumite
edited 16 October 2014 at 12:16PM in Benefits & tax credits
I know it's up to HMRC in the end but perhaps you guys can give me a clue before I put it to them.

I am "employed" occasionally doing shifts at a bar, totalling only about £60/month or something.

I am "self employed" renovating a property which is genuinely a full-time engagement and so I do "work more than 30hrs/week" as well, which they ask about. This earns me no money currently (and costs a fair bit!) so I'm well under the earnings threshold, but it will hopefully earn me money soon whether that's by letting it, getting a lodger, or selling it. The real reason I need to register as self-employed is so that I might qualify for WTC, otherwise (having zero income from it) I imagine people generally wouldn't bother.

>>> Does that kind of pursuit count as legitimate self-employment, do you think? I imagine they might just think I'm doing a spot of decorating and trying to claim £50/week for the privilege.



thanks,

Comments

  • tomtontom
    tomtontom Posts: 7,929 Forumite
    Are you in the business of property development? A one off renovation is likely to be seen as a hobby, multiple properties more likely a business.

    Also in other posts you refer to the property as 'my house'. You can't claim WTC for renovating your main residence. Are you living there?
  • Caz3121
    Caz3121 Posts: 15,917 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    ijrwe wrote: »
    I am "self employed" renovating a property which is genuinely a full-time engagement and so I do "work more than 30hrs/week" as well, which they ask about. This earns me no money currently (and costs a fair bit!) so I'm well under the earnings threshold, but it will hopefully earn me money soon whether that's by letting it, getting a lodger, or selling it. The real reason I need to register as self-employed is so that I might qualify for WTC, otherwise (having zero income from it) I imagine people generally wouldn't bother.

    Do you live in this property? was it bought by your business or privately through a residential mortgage
    How long have you been registered with HMRC as self employed

    Can't, pesonally, see renovating your own home qualifying you.
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