Tax credits - HMRC

Hello,

Last year I suffered a devastating financial crisis due to my youngest son leaving college before the end of his course - he decided he wanted a job or apprenticeship, but was instead advised to claim universal credit and go on a short course (even though he was sick of college!). Due to universal credit errors, he was destitute for TEN MONTHS, and this also affected the household income.
My tax credits went down to £52 per week, even though I had less work coming in due to some other issues with a zero hours contract job.
Anyway, at the time, I thought it was wrong, and struggled severely until we got help from the welfare team at the council to sort out his universal credit.

Now HMRC have sent a letter asking for any additional information, because they have admitted to having made an error. they did not take into account any self employed profit (I made some profit last year, but if it’s offset against the previous years’ losses, it’s hardly much). If I take into account any expenses for my crappy zero hours contract job, it reduces the amount of earnings.

But I’m also not paid as a carer, and this is also a full time self employed job!
So do any of you take off any costs for caring as a self employed role for tax purposes?
If I were to do this, my income would be zero!
Owing to the fact that I pay for rent, bills etc, which are all higher than my income.

I am obviously hopeful that I am owed some money that wasn’t paid, and not more problems!!

Hi Helen,
I’m unclear from your post if you are a carer for a family member or a friend or just work in as a self-employed paid carer.

If you care for a family member or a friend then feel free to contact the helpline for advice;

You can email us at > adviceline@carersuk.org > and we will respond to your enquiries within 10 working days, although it can often be sooner.

Our telephone helpline providing information is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm - 0808 808 7777

If you only a paid carer, then perhaps Citizen’s Advice Bureau could advise you.

Melly1

Hi Melly,
I’m a carer for family, and am self employed.

Hi Helen,

then contact the helpline:

You can email us at > adviceline@carersuk.org > and we will respond to your enquiries within 10 working days, although it can often be sooner.

Our telephone helpline providing information is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm - 0808 808 7777[/quote

Melly1