Any contractors working through a LTD company?

[PeasPlease]

Hi

Does anyone have any idea how to process / claim SMP? I'm a bit of a ditz when it comes to payroll and tax etc and had thought I was supposed to apply for SMP as a self employed person, but now I understand that my LTD company (I am director) has to pay me SMP and claim it back from somewhere (where?!).

Has anyone done this or have any idea how it is done?

I had this done for me. It got quite confusing as I was working in Europe and the UK at the time. I paid for outside advice and had a payroll company do it for me. It cost me about £140 to arrange this and I felt so much better knowing that I would not be questioned on it later.

The money is paid out of company profits and claimed back via the PAYE system (if I remember correctly.)

My accountant has done mine. That's not helpful I know

Basically as my company is obviously very small, my accountant requested the funds up-front from HMRC. HMRC sent me a cheque and I paid myself the appropriate amount out of the business account.

If you don't have an accountant I'd suggest looking at the HMRC website. It has loads of information aimed at employers there and should tell you how to claim SMP.

Thank you both!

Flowery, I think I will have to do what you did as there is little in the company bank account as I have done so little work in the last couple of months (I am having twins so am enormous). I have emailed my accountant, he can do all the hard work hopefully. I feel so thick when it comes to company matters.