CMs - TAX RETURN - what if part of year was maternity allowance.......

[looneytune]

Anyone here done a tax return which included being paid MA?

I'm presuming there is a section on the tax return and will look when I get that far but I'm thinking ahead. Is it just a matter of entering a figure of the amount of money you got for MA?

The problem I have is that they overpaid me MA in 2008 and this is STILL under investigation!!! I'm yet to hear about paying it back etc. so would you just put down the total amount you got and then if end up paying back all or some, deduct from the next claim?

Sorry if not making much sense, I'm quite poorly today so not best day for doing accounts/tax return but have to as dh taken the kids out for the day so need to make the most of this time!! lol

TIA

Hi LT, I'd put the figure you received then when sorted show it on the next tax return. i'd personally not adjust any figures/amounts that comes via the goverment, too many cross references.

i didnt think that MA was taxable ??? because if its not and you put it on your tax return that will count as part of your income and you ll be taxed on it. i think i may be totally wrong but when my friend got it as she hadnt wrked in her wrk long enough for maternity pay she was employed and she got the exact amount and didnt have any tax deducted from it so why would we pay tax on it. sorry i know i sound very confusing and probably am talking alot of rubbish

Ring the tax office & query. It is not taxable but I thought you had to declare what you had recieved. But please check. The tax office in Reading is really helpful.

Yes it is taxable. Why do people guess the answer to this sort of question and post here?

You put it in the box 'Total of any other taxable State Pensions and benefits' on your tax return.

Put in the amount you received in the tax year, if you have to pay some back it can be adjusted later.

Oh bugger, I meant it is NOT taxable see here

looneytune, this whole thing seems to be a total nightmare. I know that maternity allowance is not counted as income for tax credits, at least it wasn't 2 years ago. But it does count as income for some other things, it is a total minefield!!
If you are still unsure, give the self assessment helpline a call, I actually found them to be really helpful every time I have phoned up!!

Thanks everyone and thanks for the link MrAnchovy. I know I've not had to put tax credit figures in before and MA is listed with that and others on that link but yes, I'll call and make sure. Thanks again.