hi all
first post - so hello - nice forum you've got here.
I joined with the intention of getting tips/help about setting up as a self employed 'writer'. I'm doing a Masters in Creative Writing and run the odd workshop in creative writing here and there. I've also helped out at the Uni where I am studying in other people's workshops.
Anyway - I got a letter from the revenue yesterday asking about what I have been doing since July '06 workwise.
To cut a long story short, I became ill in 2005, had 6 moths off work and eventually ended up resigning and taking them to a tribunal. I have CFS/ME and they acted like idiots with me making my position untenable, so I walked.
After that I 'worked' at the Uni - I was given a bursary so the tax/earnings thing is ok there, BUT, since July '06 (ish) I have done occasional 'work'.
This includes the odd £50 here and there for supporting these workshops as mentioned above (maybe total income £500-ish over a year from these assistant positions)
I have also earned about £400-ish from workshops which I have run myself in a 6th form college, and last week for a local authority group (council).
Now I know you are supposed to set yourself up within 3 months of becoming 'self employed' but my position is a weird one:
I am technically disabled (ME) but claim nothing in this area
I don't work a job but don't claim JSA
I stay at home with my 18 month old daughter as her carer/parent and am not paid for this
My 'work' is so sporadic and interspersed with periods of illness that things just keep getting put off.
So - what are you suggestions?
My bank account should they look at it shows these funds going in from the Uni (for the workshops & assisting - we don't need to worry about the bursary thing)
Am I gong to get hauled over the coals for earning about a grand over the last 15 or so months in an unregistered-untaxed capacity or what?
