Self Assessment after maternity leave

[abitwomlow]

Hi all

I have been self employed for quite a few years but have always paid an accountant to do my tax return. This year, put simply, I can't afford to do that so thought I'd have a go myself.

So far so good but I have now hit a bit I'm unsure of....

In a nutshell for the year 22-23 I worked from April until September when I had my little girl. I haven't had any income since but have still had business outgoings - ie website hosting costs, licences, subscriptions etc.

I have also been on standard maternity allowance, at least for the rest of that tax year.

Do I still have to input my business outgoings from Sept 22- April 23 even though I wasn't working or earning? Do I need to put my maternity pay as an income or will they already have this recorded under my national insurance number?

Many thanks and happy new year to you all x

Maternity Allowance is a non-taxable benefit so you don't need to include that. Have you ceased your self-employment or just taking a maternity break? If the latter I would still claim expenses for the period from September as you are still in business. Remember that there is a trade allowance so if your total expenses in the year are less than £1000 then you can claim the allowance instead.