Tag: HMRC

10,000 boost State Pension with online payments

  • Individuals have less than 6 months to fill any gaps in their National Insurance records from 2006 onwards to maximise their State Pension
  • Thousands have topped up their National Insurance record using the government’s online service
  • Government encourages people to act now and check their National Insurance record

More than 10,000 payments worth £12.5 million have been made through the new digital service to boost people’s State Pension since it launched in April 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

People have until 5 April 2025 to maximise their State Pension by making voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill any gaps in their NI record between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2018.

HMRC and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are encouraging people to act now and use the Check your State Pension forecast tool on GOV.UK to see if they can increase their retirement income.

The service enables people to check if they have gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record, calculate if making a payment would increase their State Pension, and then make a payment if they wish to do so.

Further analysis of the use of the online service shows:

  • the majority of customers (51%) topped up one year of their NI record
  • the average online payment is £1,193
  • the largest weekly State Pension increase is £107.44

After the 5 April 2025 deadline, people will only be able to make voluntary contributions for the previous 6 tax years, in line with normal time limits.

Since its launch in April, 3.7 million people have used the online checking tool on GOV.UK to view their State Pension forecast.

Emma Reynolds, Minister for Pensions, said: “We want pensioners of today and tomorrow to enjoy the dignity and support they deserve in retirement.

“That’s why I urge everyone to check if they could benefit by filling gaps before the deadline passes. Using our online tool means only a few clicks could make a huge difference to your future.”

Customers can use the Check your State Pension forecast tool by logging into their online account or via the free and secure HMRC app. Those without an online HMRC account can register on GOV.UK.

HMRC app users can see their pension details at their fingertips including their current potential retirement date as well as annual, monthly and weekly forecasts as well as checking their NI record.

Everyone should be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

More information on voluntary NI contributions

HMRC: 671,000 young people urged to cash in their government savings pot

  • Young people urged to claim their Child Trust Fund
  • £2,200 on average waiting in unclaimed accounts

More than 670,000 18-22 year olds yet to claim their Child Trust Fund are reminded to cash in their stash as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals the average savings pot is worth £2,212.

Child Trust Funds are long term, tax-free savings accounts which were set up, with the government depositing £250, for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. Young people can take control of their Child Trust Fund at 16 and withdraw funds when they turn 18 and the account matures.

The savings are not held by government but are held in banks, building societies or other saving providers. The money stays in the account until it’s withdrawn or re-invested.

If teenagers or their parents and guardians already know who their Child Trust Fund provider is, they can contact them directly. If they do not know where their account is, they can use the online tool on GOV.UK to find out their Child Trust Fund provider. Young people will need their National Insurance number – which can be found easily using the HMRC App –  and their date of birth to access the information.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Thousands of Child Trust Fund accounts are sitting unclaimed – we want to reunite young people with their money and we’re making the process as simple as possible. 

“You don’t need to pay anyone to find your Child Trust Fund for you, locate yours today by searching ‘find your Child Trust Fund’ on GOV.UK.”

Third-party agents are advertising their services offering to search for Child Trust Funds and agents will always charge – with one charging up to £350 or 25% of the value of the savings account.

Using an agent can significantly reduce the amount received; is likely to take longer and customers still need to supply them with the same information they need to do the search themselves.

Gavin Oldham from The Share Foundation said: “If you are 18-21 years old, the government would have put money aside for you shortly after birth.

“This investment would have grown quite a bit and it’s in your name. The Share Foundation has linked over 65,000 young people to their Child Trust Fund accounts. It’s easy and free to find out where your money is.

“Go to findCTF.sharefound.org or GOV.UK to locate it today”.

In the last year more than 450,000 customers, with just their National Insurance number and date of birth, used the free GOV.UK tool to locate their Child Trust Fund.

More information on Child Trust Funds and how to access your savings can be found on GOV.UK.  

Check you’re not missing State Pension payments

During Pensions Awareness week, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging tens of thousands of people to check if they are eligible to boost their State Pension. 

Some parents who claimed Child Benefit before 2000 are missing out on State Pension payments they are entitled to because of gaps in their National Insurance records.

HMRC is urging those affected, who are mainly women at, or approaching, State Pension age, to check for gaps in their National Insurance record and top up their State Pension for free.

Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) was applied to the National Insurance (NI) records of those who claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2000, to protect their State Pension. It reduced the number of qualifying years a person with caring responsibilities needed to receive the full basic State Pension. It was replaced by National Insurance credits in 2010.

However, if someone claimed Child Benefit before May 2000 and did not provide their NI Number on their claim, HRP may not have been applied and their State Pension entitlement could have been affected.

If people are missing HRP from their NI record, it doesn’t automatically mean their State Pension calculation is incorrect, but it does increase the possibility, particularly if they spent a number of years away from work to raise a family.

HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are working to identify those people affected and encourage them to make a claim for HRP so their records can be amended.

People can check their eligibility and make a claim on GOV.UK and takes about 15 minutes to complete. They can also claim by post using form CF411.

James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “The State Pension is the foundation of state support for people in retirement.

“We are urging people to check their National Insurance records to make sure they will receive the pension they deserve.”

HMRC has already written to 257,000 pensioners who could have HRP missing from their NI record and is now contacting those under State Pension age to encourage them to use our eligibility checker. Customers do not need to wait for the letter before they make a claim.

Emma Reynolds, Minister for Pensions, said: “The Government’s priority is to ensure pensioners have security and dignity in retirement.

“I strongly encourage anyone who thinks they are missing out to check their eligibility and apply for Home Responsibilities Protection – taking just a few minutes out of your day now could mean a boost to your retirement.”

People can check their National Insurance record online or via the free and secure HMRC app.

Individuals do not need to apply for HRP if the missing year has already been counted as a qualifying year for their State Pension calculation, or are above State Pension age and already receive the full basic State Pension amount.

If someone first claimed Child Benefit after May 2000, they will not be affected and do not need to contact HMRC because parents were required to include their NI number on their Child Benefit claim forms.

If a customer makes a successful claim, HMRC will update their NI record and DWP will recalculate their State Pension entitlement. State Pension entitlements will either increase or remain the same, depending on an individual’s circumstances. Some customers over State Pension age may also receive some arrears payments.

Need to register for Self Assessment? Top 5 myths – debunked

Anyone who needs to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the first time to cover the 2023 to 2024 tax year, should tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by 5 October 2024.

There’s plenty of myths about who needs to file a Self Assessment return before the 31 January 2025 deadline and HMRC today debunks some of the most common ones:

Myth 1: “HMRC hasn’t been in touch, so I don’t need to file a tax return.”

Reality: It’s the individual’s responsibility to determine if they need to complete a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year. There are many reasons why someone might need to register for Self Assessment and file a return, including if they:

  • are newly self-employed and have earned gross income over £1,000  
  • earned below £1,000 and wish to pay Class 2 National Insurance Contributions voluntarily to protect their entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits  
  • are a new partner in a business partnership
  • have received any untaxed income over £2,500
  • receive Child Benefit payments and need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge because they or their partner earned more than £50,000

More information can be found on GOV.UK and anyone who is unsure if they need to file Self Assessment can use the free online tool on GOV.UK to check. Once registered for Self Assessment, they will receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when completing their return and paying any tax that may be due. Customers will have to reactivate their account if they have registered for Self Assessment previously but did not send a tax return last year.

Myth 2: “I have to pay the tax at the same time as filing my return.”

Reality: False. Even if someone files their return today, the deadline for customers to pay any tax owed for the 2023 to 2024 tax year is 31 January 2025. Customers may also be able to set up a Budget Payment Plan to help spread the cost of their next Self Assessment tax bill, by making weekly or monthly direct debit payments towards it in advance.

Myth 3: “I don’t owe any tax, so I don’t need to file a return.”

Reality: Even if a customer doesn’t owe tax, they may still need to file a Self Assessment return to claim a tax refund, claim tax relief on business expenses, charitable donations, pension contributions, or to pay voluntary Class 2 National Insurance Contributions to protect their entitlement to certain benefits and the State Pension.

Myth 4: “HMRC will take me out of Self Assessment if I no longer need to file a return.”

Reality:  It is important customers tell us they’ve either stopped being self-employed or they don’t need to fill in a return, particularly if they have received a notice to file. If they don’t, HMRC will keep writing to them to remind them to file their return and we may charge a penalty.

Customers may not need to complete a tax return if they have stopped renting out property, no longer need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, or their income has dropped below the £150,000 threshold and have no other reason to complete a tax return. If customers think they no longer need to complete a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year, they should tell HMRC online as soon as their circumstances change. Customers can watch HMRC’s YouTube videos on stopping Self Assessment to guide them through the process.

Myth 5: “HMRC has launched a crackdown on people selling their possessions online and now I’ll have to file a Self Assessment return and pay tax on the items I sold after clearing out the attic.”

Reality: Despite speculation online earlier this year, tax rules have not changed in this area. If someone has sold old clothes, books, CDs and other personal items through online marketplaces, they do not need to file a Self Assessment and pay Income Tax on the sales. HMRC’s guidance on selling online and paying taxes can be found on GOV.UK.  

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We want to make sure you are clear about your tax responsibilities.

“These myth busters and our range of resources on GOV.UK can help if you are unsure if Self Assessment applies to you or think you no longer need to file a tax return. Just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

HMRC has a wide range of resources to help customers register for Self Assessment, including video tutorials on YouTube and help and support guidance on GOV.UK. 

HMRC urges customers to file their return early to provide peace of mind and to also allow time to consider opportunities to spread the cost of their tax bill, claim refunds earlier and avoid costly errors caused by rushing.

Customers need to keep records to fill in their tax return correctly and they may be asked for documents if HMRC checks their return. Penalties may be issued if records are not accurate, complete and readable. Self-employed workers must also keep records for their business income, outgoings and make sure they’re registered with HMRC as self-employed. More information can be found on GOV.UK.

People should be cautious of potential scams and never share their HMRC login information with anyone, even a tax agent if they have one. HMRC’s scam advice can be found on GOV.UK.

Extend Child Benefit for your teen by 31 August

Child Benefit can be claimed for children after they turn 16 if they are staying on in approved education or training

Parents have less than 2 weeks to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) their 16-19 year-old is continuing education or training or their Child Benefit payments will stop.

Hundreds of thousands of teenagers will decide on their future this week as they receive their GCSE results on Thursday (22 August 2024).

For parents of 16-19 year-olds who haven’t yet extended their claim, Child Benefit payments will stop after 31 August. If their child is going to continue in approved education or training, parents can continue receiving Child Benefit and HMRC is urging them to extend their claim now.

To make sure they do not miss out, parents can quickly and easily extend their Child Benefit claim online on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app. More than 270,000 parents have extended their claim digitally so far, with the changes applied to their record without the need to wait on the phone.

Parents should keep their claim details up to date, even if they’ve opted not to receive Child Benefit payments due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Parents who want to opt back into receiving Child Benefit payments, can do this quickly and easily online on GOV.UK or in the HMRC app. 

Child Benefit is worth up to £1,331 a year for the first or only child, and up to £881 a year for every additional child.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Child Benefit is an important financial support for many households and we don’t want to see any eligible family miss out.

“You can extend your claim quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK.”

Victoria Benson, CEO of Gingerbread, the charity for single parent families, said: “Child Benefit is valuable to families and particularly single parent families, who are forced to make ends meet on a single income.

“It’s really important, with the 31 August deadline fast approaching, that parents whose children are going into further education and training extend their claim as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this crucial financial help.”

Child Benefit can continue to be paid for children who are studying full time in non-advanced education, which includes:

  • A levels or Scottish Highers
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Home education – if it started before their child turned 16, or after 16 if they have a statement of special educational needs and it was assessed by the local authority
  • T levels
  • NVQs, up to level 3

Child Benefit will also continue for children studying on one of these unpaid approved training courses:

  • in Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme
  • in Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work
  • in Scotland: the No One Left Behind programme.

If a child changes their mind about further education or training, parents can simply inform HMRC online or via the HMRC app and payments will be adjusted accordingly.

Parents can check the status of their claims at any time by viewing their proof of entitlement in the app or online. 

Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC’s online services. If they do not have one already, they can register on GOV.UK and will just need their National Insurance number or postcode, and 2 forms of ID.

One week to go until Self Assessment payment on account deadline

Millions of Self Assessment customers are expected to make a ‘payment on account’ to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by the 31 July deadline in a bid to spread the cost of their tax bill for the 2023 to 2024 tax year.

More than 12 million people need to file a Self Assessment return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year and pay any tax owed before 31 January 2025.

However, to help spread out payments throughout the year, many people have to pay their tax by making 2 payments on account. If the previous year’s tax bill was over £1000, each payment is half that amount with the first payment having been made on 31 January and the second one due on 31 July.

If there is still tax to pay after customers have made their payments on account, they will need to make a ‘balancing payment’ by 31 January 2025.

Payments can be made securely via the HMRC app at any time of day or night.

Those who have yet to file their tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year, can do it early so they know what they owe and can decide how best to make the payment in full by the deadline.

Filing early also means that if a tax refund is due, they can receive it sooner.

There are a range of payment options, including weekly and monthly payment plans, available on GOV.UK. Customers can set up a plan before they have filed their tax return and the payments will be used against their next tax bill.

Those who are new to Self Assessment will need to register to get their Unique Taxpayer Reference before they can file their tax return. Anyone who is unsure about whether they need to file a tax return can use the online checking tool on GOV.UK.                                                                                          

Visit GOV.UK to find out more about Self Assessment and how to file a tax return.

Visit GOV.UK to download the HMRC app

HMRC has updated guidance on filing tax returns early and help around paying tax bills on GOV.UK.

Online help and support is available for customers who need support in completing their Self Assessment tax return.

Don’t lose out – extend Child Benefit for your 16-19 year-old

More than a million parents will receive reminders from this week to extend Child Benefit for their teenagers if they are continuing their education or training after their GCSEs.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending more than 1.4 million Child Benefit reconfirmation letters to parents between 24 May and 17 July. The letters will include a QR code which, when scanned, directs them straight to GOV.UK to update their claim quickly and easily online.

Child Benefit is worth up to £1,331 a year for the first or only child, and up to £881 a year for each additional child. Payments will automatically stop on 31 August on or after the child has turned 16 unless parents renew their claim where their child is continuing in education.

If their 16 to 19 year-old intends to continue in approved education or training, parents can use the online service on GOV.UK or the HMRC app so they do not miss out.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Child Benefit is an important financial support for many families, so make sure you don’t miss out on any payments if your teenager intends to continue approved education or training.

“You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK.”

Parents have until 31 August to take action or their payments will automatically stop. Letting HMRC know digitally that a child is continuing in education is the quickest way to get it sorted, with no need to contact us by phone or post.

If a customer has not received their letter by 17 July, there is no need to worry – if eligible, they can still extend their Child Benefit claim via GOV.UK or the HMRC app.

Child Benefit can continue to be paid for children who are studying full time in approved non-advanced education, which includes:

  • A levels or Scottish Highers
  • International Baccalaureate
  • home education – if it started before their child turned 16, or after 16 if they have a statement of special educational needs and it was assessed by the local authority
  • T levels
  • NVQs, up to level 3.

Child Benefit will also continue for children studying on one of these unpaid approved training courses:

  • in Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme
  • in Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work
  • in Scotland: Employability Fund programme and No One Left Behind

If a child changes their mind about further education or training, parents can simply inform HMRC online or in the HMRC app and payments will be adjusted accordingly.

Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC’s online services. If they do not have one already, they can register on GOV.UK  and will just need their National Insurance number or postcode, and 2 forms of ID.

Further information:

More information on Child Benefit for 16-19 year olds.

Eligible customers will be unable to update their claim until their letter has been issued by HMRC. All letters will be issued by 17 July. If you have not received a letter by then, the service will be open online or in the HMRC app for all eligible customers.

Parents cannot claim Child Benefit if their child is taking a course that is part of a job contract.

Parents can view and manage their claim quickly and easily online or on the HMRC app. This includes viewing payment information and proof of their claim, adding additional children and updating their details – all without needing to call HMRC.

HMRC uses QR codes in letters and correspondence. The QR code will always take you to GOV.UK or the HMRC app. When you are logged into your HMRC account, we may use QR codes to redirect you.

For example, to take you to your bank’s login page. If we’re using QR codes in communications you’ll be able to see them on the genuine HMRC contacts page.

To help fight phishing scams, send any suspicious emails containing QR codes to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.

Early Birds! Over 295,000 file returns in the first week of new tax year

Almost 300,000 Self Assessment customers filed their tax return in the first week of the new tax year, almost 10 months ahead of the deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed. 

Customers can file their Self Assessment returns for the 2023 to 2024 tax year between 6 April 2024 and 31 January 2025.  

Almost 70,000 people filed their return on the opening day this year (6 April) and HMRC is encouraging people to do it early and not to leave it until January. 

Visit GOV.UK to find out more about Self Assessment and how to file a tax return.  

By filing tax returns early, people can take their time to complete their returns – making sure the information is accurate and avoiding the stress of last-minute filing.  

It can also help with budgeting and helping spread the cost of their tax bill. Customers can set up a budget payment plan to make weekly or monthly direct debit payments towards their next Self Assessment tax bill. 

Refunds of overpaid tax will be paid as soon as the return has been processed. Customers can also check if they are due a refund in the HMRC app.  

In recent years, HMRC has seen more and more customers file their tax returns early. Last year, more than 246,000 people submitted their Self Assessment between 6 and 12 April 2023. 

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Filing your Self Assessment early means people can spend more time growing their business and doing the things they love, rather than worrying about their tax return.  

“You too can join the thousands of customers who have already done their tax return for the 2023-24 tax year by searching ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK and get started today.” 

HMRC has updated guidance on filing tax returns early and help around paying tax bills on GOV.UK.  

Anyone who is new to Self Assessment and thinks they might need to complete a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year can use the Self Assessment online tool to check whether they need to register for Self Assessment and submit a return. 

People may need to complete a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year and pay any tax owed if: 

·         they are a self-employed individual with an income over £1,000 

·         they have received any untaxed income over £2,500 

·         they are renting out one or more properties 

·         they claim Child Benefit and they or their partner have an income above £50,000   

·         they are a partner in a partnership 

·         their taxable income earned from savings and investments is more than the £10,000 personal savings allowance 

·         their taxable income earned from dividends is more than £10,000 

·         they have paid Capital Gains Tax on assets that were sold for a profit above the Capital Gains threshold 

A full list of who needs to complete a tax return is available on GOV.UK. 

Pensioners are required to pay Income Tax on any taxable income, including their pension income, above their Personal Allowance threshold. There are different ways to pay any tax owed, depending on the individual’s circumstances, including: 

·         if they already complete a Self Assessment tax return, they will need to report and pay via this route 

·         if they have a PAYE tax code, HMRC will automatically collect any tax through their tax code 

Alternatively, if a pensioner does not already pay tax via Self Assessment or PAYE, HMRC will send them a Simple Assessment summary.

The Simple Assessment will tell them how much Income Tax they need to pay and the deadline – usually by 31 January following the end of the tax year. HMRC produces the Simple Assessment from the information it already holds so people do not need to do anything – there is no form to complete. More information about Simple Assessment is available on GOV.UK. 

It is important that customers let HMRC know if there are any changes in details or circumstances such as a new address or name, or if they are no longer self-employed or their business has closed.

They should not assume someone else will update HMRC on their behalf.

If customers no longer need to do Self Assessment, they will need to tell HMRC. There are videos on YouTube that explains how to stop Self Assessment. 

Criminals use emails, phone calls and texts to try to steal information and money from taxpayers. Before sharing their personal or financial details, people should search ‘HMRC phishing and scams’ on GOV.UK to check the sender or caller is genuine. 

Customers should never share their HMRC sign-in details. Someone could use them to steal from them or claim benefits or a refund in their name. 

HMRC app speeds up student loan applications

With many Scottish Higher students planning their next steps in life, those starting university in September can ‘tap the app’ to get National Insurance and tax information they need to complete their student finance applications, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said.

Anyone applying for a student loan for the 2024/25 academic year is encouraged to start their application now and to get the essential details they need, including their National Insurance (NI) number, quickly and easily via the HMRC app. 

HMRC data shows that in the 12 months to March 2024, more than 112,000 customers called the National Insurance Helpline asking for a lost or forgotten NI number of which nearly 50% were from customers aged between 16 and 20. It also shows May was the busiest month with more than 6,400 young people calling the helpline for their NI number, coinciding with students applying for their student loans. 

HMRC is encouraging students to save time by downloading the free and easy to use HMRC app for instant access to the details they need.

Suzanne Newton, HMRC’s Director General for Change Delivery said: “Getting your NI number is simple with a tap of HMRC’s app and young people should take advantage of it.

“Download the HMRC app today straight from your phone’s app store to get all the info you need quickly and easily.”  

As well as their NI number, students applying for finance will also need:

  • a working email address
  • a bank account in their own name
  • a valid UK passport
  • course details

Students can also apply for finance to help with cost of living expenses. How much they receive is dependent on household income – as well as where they live while they study. Parents or the partner of students will also need to have their NI number to hand. Visit GOV.UK for more information.

Any details missing from an application could cause a delay and may mean a delay in receiving any loan payments in time for the start of the students’ course so it’s important to keep essential details to hand. 

Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association said: “Downloading details from the HMRC app will speed up the process of applying for a student loan.

“Preparing for higher education can be a time-consuming process for sixth form students so we are pleased this will help to reduce the administrative burden on young people.” 

Searching for NI information is one of the most popular searches on the HMRC app with almost 900,000 views in the last year and more than 430,000 National Insurance card downloads to customers’ digital wallets. It is available and easy to access whenever they need it.

Essential HMRC Rules for the Self-Employed: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

For self-employed individuals in the UK, understanding and complying with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) regulations is crucial.

Managing your own tax affairs can be complex, and certain aspects of the rules are frequently overlooked, leading to errors that can be costly.

Adam Collins, CEO of Ignite SEO aims to highlight common mistakes made by self-employed individuals and offer guidance on how to avoid them:

Failing to Register for Self-Assessment on Time

One of the first steps you need to take as a newly self-employed individual is to register for Self-Assessment. This needs to be done by the 5th of October in your business’s second tax year. Missing this deadline can result in penalties, and you risk getting caught up in last-minute hassles to sort your taxes.

Misunderstanding Expense Deductions

Determining what expenses can be claimed is critical for the self-employed. While you are allowed to deduct legitimate business expenses to reduce your taxable income, not all expenses are allowable.

For instance, personal expenses must be strictly separated from business ones. Common missteps include improperly claiming home office expenses or the cost of commuting, which is not deductible unless it’s travel to a temporary workplace.

Poor Record Keeping

Accurate record-keeping is vital but often neglected by the self-employed. HMRC requires you to keep records of your income and expenses for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year. Failure to maintain proper records can lead to inaccurate tax returns and the potential for stressful and costly audits.

Ignoring National Insurance Contributions

Many self-employed people overlook the importance of National Insurance Contributions (NICs). There are two types you might need to pay: Class 2 if your profits are above a small earnings threshold, and Class 4 if your profits exceed a lower limit. Not understanding or forgetting these contributions can lead to unexpected bills and penalties.

Inadequate Planning for Tax Payments

Tax payments can be a significant financial burden if not planned for adequately. Self-employed individuals are required to pay their taxes through Self-Assessment by the 31st of January each year, and those with significant tax bills must also make payments on account, which are advance payments towards the next year’s tax bill, due in January and July. Failing to budget for these can lead to cash flow issues.

Overlooking VAT Registration

If your annual turnover exceeds the current VAT threshold of £90,000, you must register for VAT. Many self-employed individuals either register too late or fail to register at all, which can lead to penalties and a backdated tax bill. Even if you don’t exceed the threshold, voluntary registration might benefit you by allowing you to reclaim VAT on purchases.

Adam Collins, CEO of Ignite SEO says: “Being self-employed brings the freedom to manage your own business, but it also requires diligence in handling your tax affairs.

“By being aware of these common pitfalls and actively working to avoid them, you can ensure that you stay compliant with HMRC’s regulations and avoid unnecessary penalties.

“Regularly updating your knowledge and possibly consulting with a tax professional can also help manage the complexities associated with self-employment taxes.”