Tax Return Confusion - What about Maternity Allowance?

[Hummahummamumma]

I am self employed and when DS was born I was in receipt of Maternity Allowance (SMP equiv for self employed and those not entitled to SMP) for 5 months. I have recently received my Tax Return notice for the last FY and I am wondering, am I meant to declare it as income? It can't be taxable can it? You pay NI all your working life and the first time you claim any benefit, they tax you on it? Surely not?! Anyway, irrespective of my opinion, advice from anyone who knows what they are talking about before I ask my accountant would be gratefully received! Ta very muchly!

Hello. I'm in the same position as you. As far as I know, maternity allowance isn't taxable. I think on the tax return form, it asks about taxable benefits which does include SMP (which is why maternity allowance is a lower figure than SMP) so I assume you just don't mention maternity allowance on the form. Best to check with the accountant though....!

I was in this situation last year. I phoned tax office and they said don't even put it on the form. HTH

Sorry for the delayed reaction - thank you both so much, great help!