How much do you earn and how much do you end up declaring?????

[lunavix]

I've been trying to work out money after splitting with dh and I'm panicking about meeting bills.

I declared my income two years ago as not much over the threshold (as after expenses it wasn't, although what I actually brought in was double, it was the year I started up and I'd had to buy a LOT. I hadn't exagerated either lol)

So for the last year I declared a bit more... I still seemed to be earning the same but figured less in expenses. I've sat down and calculated what I transfer into our bank account each week as 'earnings' eg leaving behind NI and tax... and it's quite a bit am I going to have a nasty surprise when it comes to taxes? It always gets sucked up in bills and we never have any money...granted it only just covers my half the bills plus food but never mind...

I am in line with other minders in our area we all charge £2.50p.h , also have never had all my spaces full, so no wonder I am not making profits over the taxable threshold.

Hi, very interesting thread!! I think someone mentioned a list of things we can claim for, where would I find that?
This is my first year minding, and I will pay some tax (only about £140) but then I did start straight away with 2 full timers. I am intrigued that we may be able to claim for a cleaner?? I despair at the state of my house and have been trying to think of ways of saving enough to pay one!! Like Shoshable I provide the parents of my full timers with all food/nappies etc and have just bought UV suits for them to save me panicking about sunburn etc

trunkybun - can't remember where the list is but been several threads so maybe try doing a search? I'd be surprised about you paying out for tax in your first year, even if you did start straight away with 2 full timers. I started straight away with 4 mindees, right in the summer hols, 2 of which were pretty much full time but I had a lot of expenses and so didn't pay any tax.

Right, just done a search and lot of small threads but this one is good as has lists and lists of things you can claim......

www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=2300&threadid=287686#5761573

trunkybun, I'm first in line at Matalan each year for UV suits, the best invention yet

Thanks looney! Found it in the end, didn't find mention of a cleaner tho I don't think I can be claiming enough for stuff generally, as I only traded for 6 months 06/07, and still ended up paying tax. I had 2 full timers @50 hours each and an after schoolie for 8 hrs a week!!
I know that I am not claiming enough for petrol as I just find it really hard to guage mileage as all distances are really short and if the weather is ok I would rather walk to be honest. Also haven't claimed for broadband, cleaning products or toilet rolls (how on earth do you work out useage for that!! I am getting concerned now as next year will be a full year and I have another mindee enrolled which will be another 15 hours a week. I aim to buy a trampoline soon and possibly a swingset (if I can fit both in the garden) Guess I'm going to have to start saving a bit every month for the tax man though!!

Yep UV suits are great and bought in Sainsburys sale so only £4 each!! I'm aiming to get all in one waterproofs for the winter as well, as I cannot stand being stuck indoors and am tired of desperately trying to wash and dry mindees clothes before parents arrive so they don't see how truly filthy their loved ones get every day!!!

trunky I do my milage on Google maps but in your post code and the destination post code will give you the milage. get water proof trousers and jackets from tchibo, really worth it, and easier to get off for the potty.