Self Assesment Help Please!!!

[divegirl]

Hi, I'm in the process of getting my paper work in order to fill in my self assessment on line [first time ever so do not have a clue what I'm doing!].... I haven't even had the bottle to open up the form yet, though I know you can save it and come back to it.

Am I right in assuming that I do not need to include any working tax credit and Child tax credit I have received? I've been looking at all the sites sent to me by HMRC but am just getting confused. I am aware this may become apparent when I start the form but my anxiety levels are through the roof right now and I just want to know as much as I can before I start it.... in fact I'm in tears so please be gentle :0(

Lisa x

[dollie65]

if you are that worried go to the citizens advice bureau they will help you fill out the form

[lady-janine]

this is something i can fully understand.xx

[Neptown]

Lisa, phone the HMRC Helpline, the number's on the site, they will tell you what to declare and what allowances you can claim. They're not ogres and are very helpful. It could save you quite a lot of money. Good luck!

[divegirl]

Thank you Neptown, I had actually done this before I read your reply... And as you say they are not the ogres they are made out to be.

The answer to my question [just in case it comes up again] is no, they are of course tax free...doh!

My other bit of good news is that as I registered after April 2012 I do not have to complete the forms till next year!!!! Woo hoo!

Lisa x

[ummmm]

Lisa....so you don't worry for next year the forms are really really simple.

[1eyedjack]

Yup, you got your answer, well done. Tax Credits are excluded.

But when it gets round to "next year", you might want to have a go at doing it (or at least starting it) in the summer rather than waiting until 3 weeks before the filing deadline. Your stress levels will be much reduced. You will know your tax position earlier. The helpline will be less crowded if you need it, and you will have plenty of time to sort out any problems or queries.

But perhaps more to the point, being a tax credit claimant you will have a deadline of 31 July 2013 by which to report to the Tax Credit office your taxable income for 2012-13 tax year and renew your claim. Estimated income figures are at that stage permitted but it is so much smoother to provide actuals (as well as reducing the risk of overpayments). So if you get the tax return completed in time for the tax credit deadline you will have an easy ride.