Tax question

mjd · 10 Dec 2011 at 11:57

I am currently registered as self employed, working as an IT tech/admin for a few local companies. My earnings are modest as I only do this part time due to commitments providing care for my partner. I currently receive carers allowance on the basis that I do not earn more than £100 p.w.
This year has seen an increase in work due to three of said companies merging, which is placing me very close to to an average of £100 p.w (£98 p.w from April to December). However, I know this increased workload is not going to last and is only reflective of changes required due to the merger.
I am planning to submit my tax return at the end of this month, and am trying to determine if their are any allowable deductions that I can include to effectively reduce my weekly income on paper. As I work from home I am under the impression things like broadband costs cannot be considered, but is there anything else I can consider?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Polarbear · 10 Dec 2011 at 12:05

Use of home allowance is an obvious one (the £3pw flat rate would do given your income level).

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/relief-household.htm

singist · 10 Dec 2011 at 12:06

As self employed there are many things you can claim as legitimate expenses that cannot be claimed under PAYE.
I'm sure that there will be someone along shortly who is doing similar work who can detail things for you but basically, claim for anything you think is work related and let the taxman make the decision.

Destination · 10 Dec 2011 at 12:13

Just to be awkward, you are receiving carer's allowance.
How many hours a week does it stipulate that you must be assisting with the care, and is this care based inside your own home, or care for a relative living at an additional address?

mjd · 10 Dec 2011 at 12:40

With regards to the carers allowance the requirement is to provide a minimum 35hrs care per week. There is no exact figure for the number of hours you can work, but it must allow for the 35 hours a week and shouldn't exceed £100 p.w in earnings. I think it is loosely based on 2 x 8hr days at minimum wage a week. I do considerably less than this as a rule, but at 3 times the minimum wage rate. Last month I invoiced for 31 hours work total.
I care for my partner who has epilepsy at my home address which is also my work address.

mjd · 10 Dec 2011 at 12:44

Polarbear said:
Use of home allowance is an obvious one (the £3pw flat rate would do given your income level).

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/relief-household.htm

Thats great, thanks for the link.