AIBU to worry about the money my mum sends?

[CheekyBrunette]

I'm not a British citizen yet but I've been studying and working here for a few years now.

I'm on a work permit and I pay taxes on my income through the PAYE system.

Occasionally, my mum will send me money from overseas for holidays etc(yes, I'm very lucky :-))

She's obviously paid taxes on her income in her country before sending anything to me.

So my question is, do I need to pay tax on the money she sends me?

I've got friends in similar situations who assure me that I don't need to, but I'm not 100% sure.

If I need to pay tax on that money she sends over about twice a year, then I'm more than happy to do it.

So this is not me asking for ways to avoid the tax, just asking if anyone knows whether I am required to pay tax on that money or not.

No, of course not. She sends it as a gift, not as income.

Absolutely not. You get taxed on earnings, not on gifts.

Agree its a gift. No different to sending you a pair of earings. If you spend it here the economy benefits from that.

No it's a gift. If you are ever concerned then contact HMRC, who are on the whole quite nice people and would reassure you about this, and would help you declare any income you did need to declare.

Well, there have been a few times I might have used that money to pay off some bills as well!

But thank you for the reassurances! I'm less stressed about it all now

What you use the money for doesn't change the fact it was a gift :)

Put it this way - your bills are taxed - food and clothing are taxed so is food and holidays, you are hardly not taxed on it.

Ok, that makes perfect sense.

Thanks everyone!