Tax credits, would they accept new self employed work?

[Ditzy]

Here's the scenario. I currently work 34 hours/week in a job I hate, am at college 2 days/2 evenings a week, and I'm knackered! I'd really like to leave my job and start my mobile business. However being a single mum, I need an income and also tax credits to survive.

My question is, if I left my job, and did say 12 hours a week in a shop, would I be able to get tax credits? I know you need to work 16 hours a week, but I'd be doing my mobile business. Obviously to start I wouldn't have any clients, but would be leaflet dropping, sorting advertising, arranging products, etc etc, which would definitely add up to more than 4 hours per week. I wouldn't get money in from this, but surely they would accept that as working more than 16 hours a week total?

 

[1999judy]

Benefits and financial support : Directgov - Money, tax and benefits
HM Revenue & Customs: Tax credits: Introduction
Working tax credit - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Benefits and tax credits for people in work
What are tax credits? : Directgov - Money, tax and benefits
Paying for Childcare - Tax Credit Checker

Once a civil servant always a civil servant...that's my excuse
hth

 

[number1kitty]

Just tell them you work over 30 hours (dont forget all the advertising, phone calls and other prep work needed in a business). I didnt work while I was pregnant as I split my pubic bone. Instead I wrote my books and that took up 30 hours, but any other time whether I have 16 hours or clients or more I tell them I do more.

To be honest you tend to work more than full time anyway when you work for yourself!

go to Start Calculation that will tell you what you will be entitled to. Its also great to play with and change the hours and the amount you have coming in.

You can also right off losses so if you dont make any money you still get benefits.

Entitled to also tell you if you can get housing or council tax benefit too.

Kate

 

[loubylou]

Just tell them you work over 30 hours (dont forget all the advertising, phone calls and other prep work needed in a business). I didnt work while I was pregnant as I split my pubic bone. Instead I wrote my books and that took up 30 hours, but any other time whether I have 16 hours or clients or more I tell them I do more.

To be honest you tend to work more than full time anyway when you work for yourself!

go to Start Calculation that will tell you what you will be entitled to. Its also great to play with and change the hours and the amount you have coming in.

You can also right off losses so if you dont make any money you still get benefits.

Entitled to also tell you if you can get housing or council tax benefit too.

Kate

Be careful Kate hun, they can read this just as easily as we can :hug:

 

[number1kitty]

Be careful Kate hun, they can read this just as easily as we can :hug:

No they know. Basically some weeks I wont work, because I have kids however the following week I can do 60 hours. Or I can not do 30 hours of clients in a week but then all the prep I do will make it up.

Not doing anything dodgy - I wish I could as I have seen people really rip off the system - I unfortunetly would get caught good and proper!!!

The CTC basically average everything. So you may have 12 hours of after school care per child, but if your child spends every day in holiday clubs during the hols then the 40 hours a week can be divided up.

Its so confusing but thats why I looked into it and offered that advice. Ask them though so you feel comfortable knowing that you are within their guidelines.

Kate x

 

[Ditzy]

Thanks for the advice guys, I did think it was like that, but it's always good to hear from others who have been there done that, IYKWIM! Hugs to you!

 

[bonjovirock4eva]

hi there when i set up my last business working from home i made sure i worked 16 hrs a wk sending leaflets calling ppl to try and get work i only had a few customers a month but was still working as i was doing my admin.
i claimed working tax credit and told them i worked 16 hrs a wk and my income was £0 (the business was running in the red) this was fine with them i recived full tax credits and also help for childcare
hth xxxx:hug:

 

[Blue Rose]

It's surprising how all the hours mount up. You may not physically be treating clients but all things like marketing, leaflet dropping, designing leaflets, ordering products, laundry of towels, banking etc, etc soon stack up.

Personally I don't treat clients now (unless holiday cover, or between therapists) but I manage to do well over 30 hours per week.

Tax credits are based on averages so if you want some time off one week, you more than likely make that time up another week.