Direct sellers warned they have until February 29 to declare income

HMRC issued a press release on Monday reminding direct sellers in the UK that they have just one month to declare their extra income and pay any tax that is owed.

Direct sellers who work as consultants, sales agents, party plan agents etc. have until February 28th, 2013 to contact the tax office and let them know about the taxes owed, and they must make arrangements to pay before February 28^th.

HM Revenue and Customs states that it will be writing to direct sellers to inform them about the Direct Selling Campaign that is currently being run. If direct sellers do not contact the HMRC by then, then they can expect to receive a letter in the post if it is thought that they might owe tax.

HMRC will also give people the opportunity to discuss this with them via the social media site Twitter. On February 7^th, direct sellers will have the opportunity to talk to experts regarding this issue and can talk to them between 1pm – 2pm. HMRC can be found on Twitter under the username @HMRCgov.uk. Anyone who would like their questions answered can submit them under the hash tag dsqa and they can either submit them ahead of the question and answer session or on the day.

Commenting in a press release, Marian Wilson, head of HMRC Campaigns, said:

“Anyone involved in direct selling who has not told HMRC about all of their income might not be paying the right amount of tax. The Direct Selling campaign is a chance to bring their tax affairs up to date, on the best terms. Anyone with questions should join our Twitter Q&A on 7 February, where our experts will be available to help.”
 

The original article can be seen here. 

 

Tax Credit claimants urged to renew as soon as possible

HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) are urging claimants to renew their Tax credits as soon as possible after they receive they renewal packs.  Claims have to be sent in by 31 July or claimants risk losing out on their payments.  HMRC says that in 2011, only 80 per cent of those entitled to their Tax credits claimed them.

Claimants are also told to double check their claims forms to ensure that all details are accurate and to notify HMRC of any changes in their circumstances, such as child care costs, a change in working hours, or a change in pay, which haven't already been notified; claimants are also advised to have documents such as payslips, end of year P60 forms and childcare details with them when filling out their forms.

Steve Lamey, Director of Benefits and Credits for the HMRC, said:

"People should aim to renew their tax credits as soon as they receive their pack, and they need to make sure their details are correct. The sooner they renew, the sooner we can make sure they are getting the right money."

"Our message is - renew early, renew accurately and renew on time. If claimants don't renew their claims before 31 July, payments may stop."

"2013 will see the introduction of Universal Credit, which will by 2017 see the migration of all our Tax Credit customers to that benefit. It is therefore even more important that customers ensure that the data that we hold about their claim is accurate prior to their migration to Universal Credit."

For help with filling out Tax credit forms visit: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits/Keepingyourtaxcreditsuptodate/Renewingtaxcreditsclaim/index.htm

or call 0345 300 3900.