Filling in tax return for private tuition

[CeeBeeBee]

I had my last lesson with my student yesterday and wanted to start the process of filling in a tax return form but even the login process stresses me out. I am, at the moment, waiting for my registration I'd to save sent because I have somehow created more than one account with the same email address after trying to recover my login details!

The thing which bothers me is having so many sections like whether I earn interest in savings account, whether I receive tax credits and child benefits and student loan repayment which I already paid off in my PGCE year etc!
who can I speak to in rl to go through the process with me please?

Really want some advice about this as I don't want to co okeye iy incorrectly. Thank you in advance.

You don't include ISAs. If you have a PT job too you'll need your P60 from your employer for the 2016-17 tax year.

You can't do the bit for 2017-18 tax year until 6th April 2018.

No worries

The online process really does guide you through it well, with help boxes and notes if you need them. Just get your log in sorted, and it'll be fine. If I can do it, well ...

You'll have your income from your part time job as well to include so you will have a tax return for both tax years.

It really does make more sense when you can see the forms online.

And getting it done early is quite a good idea (I am normally doing mine part way through January )

Okey doke. I feel better about it already and will try not to stress. Thank you.

Yes ignore the ISA. Do you pay into a pension privately?

For your PT job you need to do the employment page filled in with the info from you P60

For your tutoring work you need to do the self employed page. Fill in date you started and date your covering (e.g. For this year commencement date to 05/04/17) fill in your income. Add in the total of your expenses (you don't need to seperate these out if your income is below £70k) and that should be job done.

If you pay into a pension privately you also need to include that information in the pension contribution section.

Thanks Emma, that was very helpful.

You won't be able to do a 2017/2018 tax return until after 5 April 2018

You will be able to do the 2016/2017 return now though

Give HMRC a call and they should be able to help you

Are you waiting for your activation code for gateway?

I find the hardest bit is the login! I got stressed out with all the steps to get in thr first time.
They ask you questions at the start which removes some sections.
I find it easier to do a little summary on a spreadsheet of all the income and expenses before attempting the form. Then you have all the totals ready when needed. Also it becomes a template for next year, so it gets easier and easier.
Good luck, its nowhere near as hard as it looks, and the tax office people are all really nice and helpful. Not what you'd expect at all!

Cat, I have managed to activate the code after a long process of getting my account verified. I don't want to go through that route again and want a login that actually works!

kmmr, I know it sounds daft but it's the login not working that is stressing me most as I have unintentionally created another account when attempting a password reset!

Have you definitely registered for self assessment through your original gateway account?
You can have loads of different gateway accounts but only one of them will be registered to your self assessment.
(if you've definitely set this up- that would mean you've had your activation code through the post)

I definitely have, Cat and already started filling some of it in. I've not been able to log back on but I'm not sure which account by is the right one iyswim.

Have you called the online services helpdesk?

They'll be able to tell you which user ID is the correct one by getting you to log in whilst you're on the phone. They can't see your user ID but can see whether a login attempt is successful fir your SA account. That might not make much sense but they should be able to guide you!
0300 200 3600

Thank you Cat. They have sent the letter today so hopefully won't have to wait too long. I've a busy weekend so will make another attempt (hopefully successful!) to login and get a good chunk of it done!

Ceebeebee it totally stressed me too! And made the rest seem scary. If its that hard to login then the real stuff must be awful!! But it's not the case, just lots of security as its very important and personal information that you are accessing.

The actual self assessment is easier than you expect.

I set up a second file somehow and then got a £100 fine for not doing the SA for the second file. I called them and they were totally lovely about it. Very nice lady took control and understood the issue straight away, and promised to sort it out. A month later I got a notice canceling my fine and closing the account. They are nice, and tolerant of unintentional errors.

I saw other people are giving you good advice.

I just wanted to add that you should make sure you keep a copy of what you fill in. And also make a log of your telephone calls, what is said, and the name of the advisor you speak to.

When you fill it in online you can save without submitting which is handy if you have to look things up. I did mine for year end 5 April 2017 today and most if my answers were "no" too. I rent a property out and have a pt job but don't earn enough to pay tax but have to complete one because of the property. It gets easier with practice. I have a box which I put all statements and docs in as they arrive that I'll need to complete it now I am used to what I need.

Remember to keep every receipt for your tutoring work including for books you may need, pens, printing ink, telelephne, etc.