Almost ready to submit tax return - Need some adice ( P L E A S E)

[MUM2BLESS]

Been childminding over 4 yrs. Never claimed for mobile or home telephone use.

My husband and I share the bills. He is responsible for the telephone and mobile. I do however pay a certain amount into to his account to help out with mortgage etc.

Can I still claim a percentage of the mobile and phone bill, as I use this for my business. Most of my texting is to my parents.

The bill I need to submit this month seems extremely high. I know I have to pay some of the next tax year too. My earning for the next tax year will be lower. Can this be taken into considertaion for this tax year.

Sorry if these questions seem silly but I am still learning !!!!!!!

"My husband and I share the bills. He is responsible for the telephone and mobile. I do however pay a certain amount into to his account to help out with mortgage etc."

That's a bit messy, it would be better if they were paid from a joint account. But I wouldn't say don't claim if they aren't.

If you think your earnings are going to be lower you can reduce the amount you pay on account, you can do this online from the main page when you sign in.

thank you so much MrAnchovy, Much appreciated.

I will take a look at the earnings bit.

Is a balance sheet the same as our financial records or is this different?

As a self employed person you are not required to prepare a balance sheet.

If you do prepare one then yes it does come within the common definition of "financial records", but that doesn't place any obligation on you regarding the Balance Sheet. Why do you ask?

I was asked if I have a balance sheet.

re previous comment regarding my husbands account, my name has been added to this account. Sorry forgot.

If you think your earnings are going to be lower you can reduce the amount you pay on account, you can do this online from the main page when you sign in. which bit is that?

Can you explain the capital allowance. We have a computer which is used for both business and private. Does this qualify.

I think I have been paying more tax than I should over the years.

Can anyone give any advice?

I know the deadline is getting closer, but almost there

"Can you explain the capital allowance. We have a computer which is used for both business and private. Does this qualify."

Yes, partially. There are only about 100 hours left to submit your tax return for 2011/12 but you can resubmit it any time within the next 369 days - probably best to file it now and then find an accountant that can help you.

"If you think your earnings are going to be lower you can reduce the amount you pay on account, you can do this online from the main page when you sign in.* which bit is that?"

Does this help? It's all there somewhere, but I'm convinced HMRC could make it easier if they tried :(

Thank you so much.

I have always done the returns myself. It takes time to do it. Should not have left it so long. Started it ages ago but it just dragged. Its finding the balance with running a cm business, looking after your own family and doing the paper work when possible.

I wish they would make it easier for smaller businesses.

I am so grateful for your advice thank you so much

You need to see doing your tax return as part of your business and in your 'business time' each month (when you do your invoices etc) you do little bits towards your tax return gather bills etc that you can count. That way it is not so onerous and the final bit is easy.

thanks I receive that.