Please, please, please can someone give me some advice on being self-employed!!!

[GreenFingeredMummy]

I'm in a total muddle and realy need some advice. I'm 6 weeks pregnant and havent worked since July (was employed be someone else). I recently started a cleaning business and have my first customer next Tuesday. I've been looking at maternity allowance, which I really need, and realised that I need to be registered as self-employed. So I want to know how I do this, do I need to be making a profit, do I have to pay NI and taxes, how much do I have to earn etc. Basically any information you have.

I hadnt planned on getting pregnant and was still getting the business off the ground, now I'm really confused as to what to do.

I don't know about claiming maternity allowance, but to register as self eployed you can just go to the tax dept and do it online. They will have guidance on there about it. You will then pay NI contributions - a few pounds (£7?) a week, and will need to keep records of your income and expenditure.

Contact your local business advice centre and they will be able to help you. There may even be courses or grants you can get. Good luck.

PS. I got loads of books on self-employment from my local library and really that would have been enough info, but my business centre was able to offer a course with a small grant too.

You need to register self employed with tax dept regarding NI- this is a legal requirement. They will advise you about what sort of tax return etc. you will have to fill out, dependant on earnings. You do not need to be making a profit.

MA for self employment is based on NI contributions and has to fall within certain 'qualifying periods'. It's a bit confusing.

Citzens advice are really helpful.

Thanks think I'll be heading off to citizens advice asap

Look on Business Link - it's lots of help