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General Category => Questions and Answers => Topic started by: starrynight on 27 September 2014, 02:01:45 pm

Title: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: starrynight on 27 September 2014, 02:01:45 pm
I know theres loads of threads r.e tax which I have read through but now I'm close to giving up cos at the moment it just feels like one completely scrambled up jigsaw. I'm sick of asking ppl for help & not getting any. I could REALLY do with someone to kinda mentor me through the process.

Right, I have got my Jolyon diary & reading through it. I didn't realise u were required by law to keep records!

*Do u have to claim expenses? I don't have receipts of any expenses so do I just not fill that in?
*How do you do back payment, or whatever its called, from before April 2014?
* Do I have to provide monthly bank statements?
* I can have up to 7 jobs a day but this diary only has space for 4. Can you just say "7 incall jobs totalling ? amount of pounds?"
* How exactly do you register? I did see a phone number somewhere but don't know where  ??? I've tried looking on the HMRC website but that's as complicated as long division  :-\
*How the hell do u find an accountant local to you who is escort friendly?? I contacted one in Wales, or somewhere, from a link somewhere on here weeks ago & still not had a reply.
* Can I register being a "masseuse" but what if I do & they find out I am in fact an escort?? :-\

I am genuinely scared doing this to the point I'm trying to hold tears back typing this....battle lost lol. I'm just dreading ringing them up, as I have since the past few years when I first found out I had to pay tax. Sometimes I just wish I hadn't bothered coming into escorting now. Theres absolutely no help or anything out there  :'(

Sorry just totally fed up   :'(
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 27 September 2014, 02:16:09 pm
You need an accountant! Go to the tax relief for escorts website and there's a list of them there. I chose one in London, but one in the Scottish Highlands & Islands was lovely and helpful - all responded within 24h. You don't need to be physically close to them for them to guide you through everything, just make sure you have all the appropriate details like your NI number and any tax reference numbers.

If you want to say you're a masseur, the only thing you won't be able to claim for really is condoms. It's unlikely to be an issue with the HMRC so long as you're paying the correct amount of tax.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Rosa on 27 September 2014, 02:54:48 pm
Most accountants should be 'friendly' doesn't matter what job you do, the basics are the same.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 27 September 2014, 02:57:57 pm
You need an accountant! Go to the tax relief for escorts website and there's a list of them there. I chose one in London, but one in the Scottish Highlands & Islands was lovely and helpful - all responded within 24h. You don't need to be physically close to them for them to guide you through everything, just make sure you have all the appropriate details like your NI number and any tax reference numbers.

Yes, you do. It's obviously getting on top of you and you're not seeing the answers to the questions - you need some proper professional help and you'll feel much better. Don't worry about finding an 'escort friendly' accountant too much either (and I'm personally wary of anybody claiming to pitch to us in particular, bar the people on Jolyon's site); your business model is extremely simple and there's really no need. If you're not getting anywhere with emails, have a Google, then ring round a few and ask :).

If you want to say you're a masseur, the only thing you won't be able to claim for really is condoms. It's unlikely to be an issue with the HMRC so long as you're paying the correct amount of tax.

Lord, how I wish I knew who started off this myth, if for no reason only that I could throttle them (given that I'm unlikely ever to get a tenner for every time it's been posted on here, which was my Plan A :D).

You may claim tax relief against any expense which is incurred wholly and exclusively in the running of your business, and this includes condoms (which are as much protective clothing as anything else), lube, sex toys, hosiery and clothing provided they're used/worn only for work, hotels and travel expenses and all the rest.

What you put on your form is up to you, but as Kay has said, nobody really cares provided you pay your tax. If I was a painter and decorator and decided that I wanted to keep my brush heads in condoms so they were protected from dust, I would have every right to claim for them then, too. But to claim expenses you do need to keep your receipts or you've got no proof you ever paid the money out for them - you must have some confirmation emails from hotels, or stuff you've ordered online, mobile topup receipts? If not, don't worry - just start saving them from now :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: starrynight on 27 September 2014, 03:41:54 pm
Oh thank you for your replies  :D

I've just read somewhere else that u only pay tax on your 'profit', so to speak: say u book a room for a client for 80pound, put 20 pound of fuel in your car to get there & the client paid you 250pounds for the booking. You only pay tax on the 150pounds of 'profit'. I didn't know that, but makes sense now, if you're hoing to claim back the cost of the room & the petrol.

Kay - thats the site I used to contact an accountant but will mail the Scottish Highlands one. If it works for you, surely it has to work for me also! I get my condoms free anyway but I dud used to buy them. I'll have to remember to keep my receipts forthe lube & whatever else I buy from now on.

Rosa - good point. I dunno, its just the society we live in, I suppose. I'd rather not risk it just incase I do get someone completely old fashioned & judgemental. That woukd be my luck  ;)

Amy - Just been talking to my bf about it too. He suggested Citizens Advice about finding an accountant & help getting this sorted out. I would personally prefer speaking to someone face to face but I will mail the accountant Kay usrd/uses.

Having read other threads where others say they just put 'escort', I feel reassured about that. Another site said if u were ever to be investigated they'll need to see your website. If I put 'masseuse', how would I explain that? I would rather put masseuse, but all 'what ifs' I have going round in my head don't feel worth it. Do they need to see your website once you have registered?

I'll have to check the 'confirmation' emails haven't been deleted. I think I may still have a petrol receipt from a tour I've just finished.

Back to the 'masseuse' bit. If I say this, what will I have to deliberately avoid showing? I just know I'll slip up somewhere  ;)

Thanks again girls, I really appreciate it xxx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Rosa on 27 September 2014, 03:48:30 pm
Oh thank you for your replies  :D

I've just read somewhere else that u only pay tax on your 'profit', so to speak: say u book a room for a client for 80pound, put 20 pound of fuel in your car to get there & the client paid you 250pounds for the booking. You only pay tax on the 150pounds of 'profit'. I didn't know that, but makes sense now, if you're hoing to claim back the cost of the room & the petrol.

Kay - thats the site I used to contact an accountant but will mail the Scottish Highlands one. If it works for you, surely it has to work for me also! I get my condoms free anyway but I dud used to buy them. I'll have to remember to keep my receipts forthe lube & whatever else I buy from now on.

Rosa - good point. I dunno, its just the society we live in, I suppose. I'd rather not risk it just incase I do get someone completely old fashioned & judgemental. That woukd be my luck  ;)

Amy - Just been talking to my bf about it too. He suggested Citizens Advice about finding an accountant & help getting this sorted out. I would personally prefer speaking to someone face to face but I will mail the accountant Kay usrd/uses.

Having read other threads where others say they just put 'escort', I feel reassured about that. Another site said if u were ever to be investigated they'll need to see your website. If I put 'masseuse', how would I explain that? I would rather put masseuse, but all 'what ifs' I have going round in my head don't feel worth it. Do they need to see your website once you have registered?

I'll have to check the 'confirmation' emails haven't been deleted. I think I may still have a petrol receipt from a tour I've just finished.

Back to the 'masseuse' bit. If I say this, what will I have to deliberately avoid showing? I just know I'll slip up somewhere  ;)

Thanks again girls, I really appreciate it xxx

Your accountant will give you the answers to your questions, it's their job!

Most accountants simply want to do the books and that's it. If they misbehave, discriminate you can report them to their professional body, so worst you should get is "Can't take you on".

Expenses reduce profit = less tax to pay so good idea to keep receipts.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: starrynight on 27 September 2014, 03:56:00 pm
Oh thank you for your replies  :D

I've just read somewhere else that u only pay tax on your 'profit', so to speak: say u book a room for a client for 80pound, put 20 pound of fuel in your car to get there & the client paid you 250pounds for the booking. You only pay tax on the 150pounds of 'profit'. I didn't know that, but makes sense now, if you're hoing to claim back the cost of the room & the petrol.

Kay - thats the site I used to contact an accountant but will mail the Scottish Highlands one. If it works for you, surely it has to work for me also! I get my condoms free anyway but I dud used to buy them. I'll have to remember to keep my receipts forthe lube & whatever else I buy from now on.

Rosa - good point. I dunno, its just the society we live in, I suppose. I'd rather not risk it just incase I do get someone completely old fashioned & judgemental. That woukd be my luck  ;)

Amy - Just been talking to my bf about it too. He suggested Citizens Advice about finding an accountant & help getting this sorted out. I would personally prefer speaking to someone face to face but I will mail the accountant Kay usrd/uses.

Having read other threads where others say they just put 'escort', I feel reassured about that. Another site said if u were ever to be investigated they'll need to see your website. If I put 'masseuse', how would I explain that? I would rather put masseuse, but all 'what ifs' I have going round in my head don't feel worth it. Do they need to see your website once you have registered?

I'll have to check the 'confirmation' emails haven't been deleted. I think I may still have a petrol receipt from a tour I've just finished.

Back to the 'masseuse' bit. If I say this, what will I have to deliberately avoid showing? I just know I'll slip up somewhere  ;)

Thanks again girls, I really appreciate it xxx

Your accountant will give you the answers to your questions, it's their job!

Most accountants simply want to do the books and that's it. If they misbehave, discriminate you can report them to their professional body, so worst you should get is "Can't take you on".

Expenses reduce profit = less tax to pay so good idea to keep receipts.

True. The worst I could get would be they wouldn't want to take me on.

I know this varies completely from area to area, but how much approx does it cost to have an accountant? How does that bit work? Do u just pay them for their time, if u speak to them & when u give them your booms to sort out? Is it payment by the hour?

Xxx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 27 September 2014, 04:15:34 pm
Sorry Amy! I guess what I should have said is that you obviously CAN claim for condoms (and anything else), but if you really wanted to avoid being 'caught out' as an escort, then you wouldn't (whereas for a masseuse, e.g. towels, bedding and laundry would all be fine).

I'm going to be paying mine about ?700 for the year, but that's because my accounts are a bit more complicated due to having two strands of income (and they're in London).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 27 September 2014, 05:16:38 pm
But 'escort' is no less a silly euphemism than 'masseuse' - why would an 'escort' need condoms when they spend their working time swanning about being taken to the theatre and going out for dinner? It's a completely meaningless term that gets far more airplay than it deserves, and causes so much confusion and misunderstanding it should have been voted off the planet years ago. At least masseuse means something.

If the sort of level of clinical accuracy that the OP is obsessing about was actually required we'd all be registered as prostitutes, or at least as sex workers (which would also encompass webcammers, porn performers, strippers, phone chat operators and so on). Unless you're actually going to use one of the above then you're always going to be skimming over something. They don't care, and it doesn't matter.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Reni on 27 September 2014, 07:20:37 pm
To be fair a few years ago when I was searching for a new accountant after my previous accountant didn't feel comfortable anymore for whatever reason, I decided to be open and when interviewing accountants. I told them my job 2 out of 3 said its fine and 1 said no. The two that did say yes pointed out that in future when trying to get a mortgage it might be difficult just because if the stigma/risks if the job.
It's old fashioned but that's the society. At least it's legal and we are luckier than some in that respect.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: TheChemist on 27 September 2014, 08:02:36 pm
Oh thank you for your replies  :D

I've just read somewhere else that u only pay tax on your 'profit', so to speak: say u book a room for a client for 80pound, put 20 pound of fuel in your car to get there & the client paid you 250pounds for the booking. You only pay tax on the 150pounds of 'profit'. I didn't know that, but makes sense now, if you're hoing to claim back the cost of the room & the petrol.

Kay - thats the site I used to contact an accountant but will mail the Scottish Highlands one. If it works for you, surely it has to work for me also! I get my condoms free anyway but I dud used to buy them. I'll have to remember to keep my receipts forthe lube & whatever else I buy from now on.

Rosa - good point. I dunno, its just the society we live in, I suppose. I'd rather not risk it just incase I do get someone completely old fashioned & judgemental. That woukd be my luck  ;)

Amy - Just been talking to my bf about it too. He suggested Citizens Advice about finding an accountant & help getting this sorted out. I would personally prefer speaking to someone face to face but I will mail the accountant Kay usrd/uses.

Having read other threads where others say they just put 'escort', I feel reassured about that. Another site said if u were ever to be investigated they'll need to see your website. If I put 'masseuse', how would I explain that? I would rather put masseuse, but all 'what ifs' I have going round in my head don't feel worth it. Do they need to see your website once you have registered?

I'll have to check the 'confirmation' emails haven't been deleted. I think I may still have a petrol receipt from a tour I've just finished.

Back to the 'masseuse' bit. If I say this, what will I have to deliberately avoid showing? I just know I'll slip up somewhere  ;)

Thanks again girls, I really appreciate it xxx

Your accountant will give you the answers to your questions, it's their job!

Most accountants simply want to do the books and that's it. If they misbehave, discriminate you can report them to their professional body, so worst you should get is "Can't take you on".

Expenses reduce profit = less tax to pay so good idea to keep receipts.

True. The worst I could get would be they wouldn't want to take me on.

I know this varies completely from area to area, but how much approx does it cost to have an accountant? How does that bit work? Do u just pay them for their time, if u speak to them & when u give them your booms to sort out? Is it payment by the hour?

Xxx

The London accountants on the tax relief website quoted me about ?600-?700 for a simple self assessment (I keep all my records and receipts and registered myself as self employed). I asked a local, and very well established, escort who she used. Lo and behold, was recommended a lovely man who charges farrrrr less and is very no nonsense (and totally disinterested in the fact I'm a sex worker, which I like!)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Reni on 27 September 2014, 08:06:37 pm
Also regarding prices...
In Newcastle I only pay ?275 yearly.
I do a spreadsheet with income and expenditure on and organise my receipts and bank statements in order for him. So it's quite easy form him to cross reference everything.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Cat_BBW on 28 September 2014, 12:17:56 am

*Do u have to claim expenses? I don't have receipts of any expenses so do I just not fill that in?

No you don't have to tell them your expenses, but this will mean you will pay more in tax.


* Do I have to provide monthly bank statements?

Yes, but not in the way I think you might be thinking. You should be saving a copy of your monthly bank statements with your monthly (yearly) accounts (income & expenses). You don't need to send them off to HMRC, it's just a case of keeping them safe for 6 years.

* How exactly do you register? I did see a phone number somewhere but don't know where  ??? I've tried looking on the HMRC website but that's as complicated as long division  :-\

You phone them and say you want to register as self-emplyed. It's really that simple. They will walk you through the process.

Don't be scared :) It's far more scary trying to dodge them than being all above board :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: starrynight on 28 September 2014, 06:03:35 pm
Thanks again ladies for the replies. Thanks Cat for answering them questions. I'm making a mental note of everything & going to write stuff down that I need to remember. I really appreciate all the replies & the inbox replies I've had & continue to have. I really wish I'd found this site sooner, you've been soooo helpful & I'm incredibly grateful.

If anyone else has anything more to add, please do :-)

Xxxc
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: starrynight on 01 October 2014, 06:52:16 pm
I've managed to find some accountants close-ish to me that seem like small firms/independant ones. I've emailed three, so fingers crossed.

Can I trust accountants enough to give them my home address? Some of them looked like home addresses where I found them on a website so do I arrange to meet them at my home?

I've decided just to say that I work in the adult industry and see if they are happy with that. Once someone has got back in touch, happy enough to help, is there anything I need to bear in mind or anything? Any advice appreciated :-)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: lailah terri on 02 October 2014, 01:06:45 am
Your accountant doesn't need to be close to you. Mine lives on the other side of the country hehe. You can check the tax relief for escorts site, there's a few listed there.

Some have also advertised in the lions den here

x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: misskiss on 02 October 2014, 02:33:22 am
I believe it's a requirement for all professionals to take your address and usually I'd, same with solicitors, I had to give some of those loads of I'd for even a consultation recently. You have to give your address, it goes on your tax return anyway :).  I personally wouldn't,t want to put in call address . If different from home also if you have another job or there could be a discrepancy with the inland revenue matching your no details(?) And if in call is rented you don't want stuff going there by accident if you have to move for some reason ;)
I think as long as you choose professionals (accredited types) you shouldn't have to be worried.
I think telling the adult industry when you approach them let's you know they are not weirdl ymoralistic and have any odd notions (there are some), but would never register as an escort because I've been told certain jobs will flag you up to them as more interesting to them and could give you trouble.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 06 August 2015, 09:34:35 pm
Hi,

I have several websites and I'm paying 300 quid a year JUST for maintaning them.  ???

Don't even get me started with my yearly advertising expenses.  As per HMRC I'm a "therapist" (I'm not lying here). My question is: Can I enclose those invoices and file these advertising/online marketing expenses as tax-deductible?

I don't include condoms or lingerie as tax-deductible (lol) but as a "therapist" I have the right to include "advertising" as  tax-deductible, right? Or will I get in trouble if HMRC looks into my websites and discovers the type of "therapeutic services" I offer? (lol)

I know, I should be discussing this with my accountant instead of posting it in a forum...but I just wanted to know if any of you guys have come across the same situation and how did you deal with it.

thanx.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 06 August 2015, 09:39:36 pm
Any self-employed person can claim back any expenses which were incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of running their business, and that certainly includes advertising. It's not a matter or rights, it's the correct way to do your accounts - why should you pay more tax than you're liable for?

It also includes condoms, lube and anything else you buy solely for work. You could be wearing the condoms on your head to keep your hair clean and provided you're only doing this when working, it's a perfectly legitimate expense. It isn't HMRC's role to decide what's appropriate for you to spend money on or how much - if I decided to do a one hour outcall to Aberdeen and the train fare cost more than my fee, it's still tax deductible (although they'd rightly think I was an idiot :)).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: xw5 on 06 August 2015, 09:47:34 pm
What Amy said, plus I would start asking some serious questions of whoever does your websites.

Virtually all the work is done at the start and although there is ongoing work - at some point I will work out how many updates the YES servers have had over the last year - it's not much split between the sites.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 07 August 2015, 12:14:49 am
Yes, the spreadsheet my accountant gave me has a column for 'advertising and promotion', and one for consumables, which is where I put condoms.

As above, I don't understand your website expenses - can you not update them yourself?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 19 November 2015, 01:24:53 am
Hello girls,

I have an account on AW for 2 months now. The first month was not the best one in making profit, as I was new and it took me a while to learn all the tricks. However, since one month ago I started to be a bit busier.

I am 20 years old, I am a full-time student and I live with my mother for the moment. The idea is that I have a mail box rented so all my letters go there (I am the only one who has access at the mail box).

I am thinking that I should start paying taxes. I was an escort before too, but not on AW or on other websites - just on my own (meeting clients at parties, dinners, nights out etc) - and never thought about paying taxes for that (ridiculous). However, now that I am doing this as a job, I think I should start to think about this seriously.  ???

I have a student bank account ( don't really know what's the point between a student and a normal one but anyways) and I am paying all the credits I purchase on AW with this card.

The point is that I have no clue from where I should begin with paying the taxes + I have some very important questions about this:  Are there any chances for my mother to know that I am registred at HMRC? Can I hide this from her (regarding the fact that all my letters come at the mail box I have)? Will this affect my studies/future/career ( I am studying Politics right now and I am hoping for a good career - escorting is just for the moment)? :-\

What do you girls think about all this situation?  :-[

I really need some help as I am lost with all these things...

Thank you a lot!!!  :)

 :-* :-*
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 19 November 2015, 06:48:24 pm
Hi Kassandra,

You do need to pay taxes. You have a window from when your business started trading (your first income/client) to the time when you need to register, and I think it's about 12 months or something but I'm not too sure.

Doing sex work may affect your career in the future if it somehow becomes public knowledge and you're a public servant or something similar: it's not really something you can predict. I can't see why HMRC would disclose such information but if you put down your business as sex work it's then a matter of record. Other people have used something vague such as therapist / counsellor, other people don't.

If any letters from HMRC don't go to the address you live at with your mother then I don't know how she would find out. You would have to check with HMRC as to whether you can have your address registered as simply a mailbox though - for some reason I don't think this would be ok....?

You really need to consult an accountant for this type of thing though. I know lots of people register for tax themselves and file their own tax returns but I think initially it's good to have the advice of a professional.

Use the search box to look for things such as "tax" "registering for tax" to see how it's specific to sex work. Otherwise get on the HMRC website and have a look around there for deadlines etc.

It also could be useful if you let people know which part of he country you're in as someone may be able to recommend an accountant who is sex worker friendly (although in theory they all should be - one with knowledge in this area wouldn't hurt though...)  :)

Hey Daisy,


Thank you a lot for your reply. I do agree that I need to pay taxes and I am thinking seriously to consult and accountant. I think that the period in which I should register is 6months from the first client. I will consult an accountant about this situation after Christmas.

Regarding about the mailbox address, it should be ok as all my documents in UK are on this address (i.e. Driving licence)

I live in LONDON, so if there are any accounts you can recommend, please let me know.

Thanks,
Kassandra  :-*
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 19 November 2015, 07:57:48 pm
The tax relief for escort websites is useful - I use Abbingdon Knight, who have an office in Paddington (just over the road from St Mary's). They're not cheap, but very efficient and easy to talk to.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ladyofthemansion on 19 November 2015, 08:34:45 pm
You could start selling Avon as a cover for being self employed.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: lady c on 19 November 2015, 09:58:20 pm
hi chick yes you do need to pay tax and as I have a child in uni you need to answer the question are you getting funded from the parents ect.  there is a lot to think about  and all earnings should be declared. Your parents would have filled out forms for you so it will affect the next year, i think.
Anything from the tax credit or inland revenue is confidential  so all you have to say is its your paperwork being sorted bla bla (its private).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 19 November 2015, 11:51:51 pm
The tax relief for escort websites is useful - I use Abbingdon Knight, who have an office in Paddington (just over the road from St Mary's). They're not cheap, but very efficient and easy to talk to.

Thank you a lot. Very helpful x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 19 November 2015, 11:52:43 pm
hi chick yes you do need to pay tax and as I have a child in uni you need to answer the question are you getting funded from the parents ect.  there is a lot to think about  and all earnings should be declared. Your parents would have filled out forms for you so it will affect the next year, i think.
Anything from the tax credit or inland revenue is confidential  so all you have to say is its your paperwork being sorted bla bla (its private).

Thank you darling  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 04 February 2016, 10:27:19 pm
I've read numerous threads about declaring occupation to the tax man and some of you say that you say that you're a therapist, counsellor etc.

But if you put a false job title down, how do you get round the issue of claiming back expenses for things like lingerie and sex toys?

I'm not afraid of phoning HMRC and saying that I'm an escort, but I'm worried that if I do get another job at some point in the future, would 'escort' be shown on any employers documents?  :-[
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 04 February 2016, 10:39:49 pm
And one more time for the cheap seats...

Lord, how I wish I knew who started off this myth, if for no reason only that I could throttle them (given that I'm unlikely ever to get a tenner for every time it's been posted on here, which was my Plan A :D).

You may claim tax relief against any expense which is incurred wholly and exclusively in the running of your business, and this includes condoms (which are as much protective clothing as anything else), lube, sex toys, hosiery and clothing provided they're used/worn only for work, hotels and travel expenses and all the rest.

What you put on your form is up to you, but as Kay has said, nobody really cares provided you pay your tax. If I was a painter and decorator and decided that I wanted to keep my brush heads in condoms so they were protected from dust, I would have every right to claim for them then, too. But to claim expenses you do need to keep your receipts or you've got no proof you ever paid the money out for them - you must have some confirmation emails from hotels, or stuff you've ordered online, mobile topup receipts? If not, don't worry - just start saving them from now :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 05 February 2016, 03:07:53 am
I've read numerous threads about declaring occupation to the tax man and some of you say that you say that you're a therapist, counsellor etc.

But if you put a false job title down, how do you get round the issue of claiming back expenses for things like lingerie and sex toys?

I'm not afraid of phoning HMRC and saying that I'm an escort, but I'm worried that if I do get another job at some point in the future, would 'escort' be shown on any employers documents?  :-[

Because that level of detail is not needed for your tax return. You'd only need to show proof of purchase for e.g. a dildo if you were ever the subject of a tax review/inspection.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 05 February 2016, 06:00:14 am
As far as I'm aware future employers only get to see a tax code, and no detail about your previous self-employment.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 05 February 2016, 10:43:42 am
As far as I'm aware future employers only get to see a tax code, and no detail about your previous self-employment.

That's great!  ;D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 05 February 2016, 01:22:25 pm
As far as I'm aware future employers only get to see a tax code, and no detail about your previous self-employment.

That's great!  ;D

You could phone HMRC and ask them to confirm this. I declare as 'Escort' and the stuff they send in the post does not contain my job title. My return does have this on one of the pages.

I actually had a need to show the authorities that I do declare as Escort, and to do this (because I didn't want to show my return) I had to request a letter from HMRC explicitly saying so.

What I'm trying to say is that whatever you declare as isn't shouted from the rooftops, however there are proposals afoot to make the HMRC database available to third parties on an 'anonymous' basis. I don't know how much detail would be made available, and it's one reason to oppose this move. Don't know about you but postcode, job title, earnings would be a bit too much detail.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 20 February 2016, 05:14:25 pm
Hey girls,

I hired an accountant few weeks ago and I registered with HMRC as being a theraphist. I told him that I do not want the word "escort" on the documents. However, I asked him about the expenses - I am not thinking to claim condoms as expenses but I want to claim expenses for lingerie, advertising etc - and he told me that it would not be ok to claim expenses which are not related to the job of theraphist. I read in another topic that I can claim for whatever is relevant to my job (no matter how I am called on the documents). So my question is: can I claim expenses for advertising (adultwork etc) and for lingerie, lubes, bed linens etc ?

Thanks for your time x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 20 February 2016, 06:35:04 pm
Therapy could cover massaging, so things like bedding, towels and 'oils' (lube) become claimable, likewise special clothing. That pretty much only leaves condoms, but unless you're unlucky enough to be the subject of a thorough reviews, these can be claimed under 'sundries'. Likewise your advertising - HRMC don't need the exact details unless they decide to check you out.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 20 February 2016, 06:58:31 pm
Therapy could cover massaging, so things like bedding, towels and 'oils' (lube) become claimable, likewise special clothing. That pretty much only leaves condoms, but unless you're unlucky enough to be the subject of a thorough reviews, these can be claimed under 'sundries'. Likewise your advertising - HRMC don't need the exact details unless they decide to check you out.
[/quote

Thank you for you reply. You are right. But what about advertising on adultwork or other websites ? would this be a problem?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Caledonia on 20 February 2016, 09:19:14 pm
As has been said Hmrc do not care what you call yourself as long as you are paying your taxes, as has been said you can claim for anything used wholely and exclusively for work, it doesn't matter what you put on the form.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 20 February 2016, 09:38:54 pm
Thank you very much !

Xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: CassieLove on 21 February 2016, 08:37:38 am
I have just filed my first Tax Return and Accounts, I found an Accountant through Tax Relief 4 Escorts and can't recommend him highly enough.

He is friendly and approachable and talks about deductions for Lube and Condoms as though we were discussing the weather!

He is now helping me with my Company accounts (non-escort related) and I am happy to pass on his details if anyone needs a good accountant.  :)


Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Fabulassie on 21 February 2016, 12:30:41 pm
You can also be a sex therapist. I have used the "therapy" excuse, babbling on about "employing a combination of talk therapy with body work."

The worst that can happen is, upon an audit, some claims being rejected and then you pay the income tax on that amount of income. It's not fraud unless you are concealing income or lying.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 21 February 2016, 01:51:46 pm
You can also be a sex therapist. I have used the "therapy" excuse, babbling on about "employing a combination of talk therapy with body work."

The worst that can happen is, upon an audit, some claims being rejected and then you pay the income tax on that amount of income. It's not fraud unless you are concealing income or lying.

Great news !! That's amazing!! Not a big problem. I thought that there might be some serious problems. Thanks a lot x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 21 February 2016, 01:53:45 pm
I have just filed my first Tax Return and Accounts, I found an Accountant through Tax Relief 4 Escorts and can't recommend him highly enough.

He is friendly and approachable and talks about deductions for Lube and Condoms as though we were discussing the weather!

He is now helping me with my Company accounts (non-escort related) and I am happy to pass on his details if anyone needs a good accountant.  :)

I found myself on Tax Relief 4 escorts too. He is also nice and easy to talk with but I feel like he is not professional enough. I don't really know what to say about this.
Btw ... What about the price? I am paying aroun ?700/year. Is this a fair price? I have no ideas what's a fair price for this service.  ::)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: meetingdiversity on 21 February 2016, 02:22:52 pm
I pay ?300 a year for mine with unlimited phone and emails. He is very professional in Wales. Some accounts bump thier prices up for escorts. It's good to shop around before paying.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: kassandraM on 21 February 2016, 02:42:12 pm
I pay ?300 a year for mine with unlimited phone and emails. He is very professional in Wales. Some accounts bump thier prices up for escorts. It's good to shop around before paying.


Wow. This sounds like a fair price. ... Well... I am in London and I prefer meetings face to face from time to time.  However,  I think I pay a bit too much than I should pay .... Hmmmm ... Basically I hired him at the beginning of the month. I didn't registered with HMRC yet ( I will in May ) because he told me to wait until I will rent my own flat ( i live with family now and I don't want to receive letters from HMRC where I live now ). However, I started my business in November. He told me that is going to be ?720/year. This means that I need to pay another ?720 starting with 6April 2016 !?? God .... Too much money for nothing ....
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MissFlint on 12 March 2016, 06:48:58 pm
I realise the topic of accountants and tax deductible expenses have discussed quite a lot on other threads and I think I've read most of them. I do tend to worry a lot so have a lot of questions. I keep worrying about various scenarios so decided to post on here.

I had an accountant about 4 years ago who was extremely professional but I think I was the first escort she had ever worked with. I was registered as a therapist/ massage therapist. My accountant told me I could claim travel, massage oil,office costs part of my rent and heating costs, but she said I could not claim lube, lingerie, condoms or sex toys as expenses as she said they were nothing to do with the job of therapist. I went along with that then started doing my own tax returns, still following her previous advice.

I read this thread:
http://www.saafe.info/main/index.php?topic=23597.0
Where Amy says
You may claim tax relief against any expense which is incurred wholly and exclusively in the running of your business, and this includes condoms (which are as much protective clothing as anything else), lube, sex toys, hosiery and clothing provided they're used/worn only for work, hotels and travel expenses and all the rest.

That sounds really great as I spend a lot of money on really expensive lube, condoms, toys and lingerie just for escorting. However I'm worried that HMRC does decide to investigate me they will obviously find out I am an escort rather than a therapist or masseuse from my receipts for these types of products. If they did decide to audit my records, would it then be on my record that I am actually a sex worker/escort rather than what I put on my tax returns? While this would not be the end of the world as I know I'm not doing anything wrong, I'd really rather this did appear on any of my records.

I know that HMRC will only ask for evidence of expenses if they decide to audit you, but it's still something I worry about a lot. I just wondered if anyone here has actually been audited and what there experience was like. For example, were you told you should not have put lube and sex toys as expenses? I have tried to make sure I do everything by the book, and have always paid my taxes but still the thought of being investigated freaks me out!

I also read in another thread:
http://www.saafe.info/main/index.php?topic=3670.msg33825#msg33825

As far as clothing goes (or any other expenses), you can claim for any cost which has been incurred entirely in the course of running your business, so civvy clothes would normally be a no no (as it could be argued that they would be worn for personal use too). I did have to buy a smart outfit for a particular booking a couple of years ago because I didn't have anything suitable, and I did put that through - the main thing to remember with any expense you claim is that you need to be able to prove it - I kept the ticket from the event I was going to on this occasion and it was fine.

I buy a lot of lingerie, dresses and shoes wholly and exclusively for escorting. I never want to wear any of my escorting clothes or shoes in any other situation.   But how can I prove all those things are just for escorting?

Perhaps it would be safer to just leave clothes and shoes off my expenses to avoid this problem.

As I said before my previous accountant said I could not claim for any of those things if I put "therapist" on my tax return. But I can see from this forum that other escorts claim these as expenses. I have also been told by an escort friend of mine that she was advised by her accountant that these were tax deductible expenses so perhaps I need to find another accountant.

Which leads me to my next question. My friend recommended Abbingdon Knight and she said they are really good and help with business advice in addition to her tax returns. They seem very expensive to me, she pays ?59 per month. I know a few other escorts pay around ?700 a year for an accountant but I'm looking for an accountant who charges no more ?400-450 for a tax return. Since I'm considering buying a house this year I'm looking for a chartered accountant (in London) so if anyone has any recommendations that would be great. ideally I would want an accountant who has experience working with escorts but does not work solely with people in the sex industry. If they have their own website with online reviews that would also be great.  The reason I do not want an accountant who works soley with sex workers is I would not want people to google my accountants name and see that they only work with escorts etc and therefore guess that I am an escort.
If anyone knows an accountant who will not have a problem with me claiming condoms, lube and lingerie as expenses while keeping "therapist" on my tax records that would be great too. Feel free to PM me.

I emailed several of the accounts on taxrelief4escorts and have so far only heard back from one. His rates were in my price range but he's not based in London and seems only to deal with emails not phone calls. I feel much more comfortable being able to call my accountant or even meet face to face.

I just told him I was an escort looking for an accountant and he sent me some advice which got me a bit worried that I have not been keeping adequate enough records. He told me I need to keep records of my client's first name, hours taken and fees received and whether it is an incall or outcall. I have not been keeping any records like this and did not realise it was necessary. I have been keeping a record of all my income and expenses but definitely not clients first names (I don't even ask their names unless they offer to tell me). I don't keep records of when they came and for how long etc. If I am not registered as an escort do I really need this information about bookings and clients? Does everyone else do this?
Sorry for all the questions I'm just very confused at the moment and would appreciate any advice.



Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 12 March 2016, 07:18:25 pm
Lacey I realise you've acknowledged the other threads, but starting yet another one isn't helpful so I've merged it. People who may be looking for this sort of information are going to find it far easier if it's all kept together rather than scattered here and there all over the board, and we don't need lots of threads all about the same thing :).

If your accountant wants a first name for punters (and I can't imagine why they would), make one up. I do keep a proper diary with records of hours worked and so on so I know how my earnings are amassed - it isn't compulsory, but it makes your income far easier to explain and prove if anyone asked rather than just turning up with a total sum to cover the whole year. It's a lot more credible to be able to show weekly and monthly breakdowns which corroborate your advertised appointment fees.

Nobody is going to change your occupation to 'escort' because it's a stupid euphemism and completely meaningless, just like 'therapist'. There is no cast iron job description anywhere that states a therapist does not have sex with their clients during sessions; if you buy condoms to use when you're working you can claim them. If you don't wear your work lingerie outside work you can claim that too.

If you buy something solely for work, it's tax deductible. If you're not happy explaining how you use whatever it is for work then don't claim it, but the idea that HMRC give a flying fuck whether you dish out a shag or a blow job, do massages or just shout at punters for an hour to earn the figure you've given them is just plain silly - why would they? The only thing they are interested in is what you've earned and what it's cost you to do so so you pay the right amount of tax - their universe doesn't revolve around you and they just want it all sorting out as efficiently as possible so they can get on with the other few thousand people they're investigating.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MissFlint on 12 March 2016, 07:27:31 pm
Thanks Amy, sorry I should have just kept it in the same thread.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 12 March 2016, 07:33:00 pm
No, it's OK! But when you're searching for anything here it's a lot easier if it's all in one thread (even if it means ploughing through a really long one) because not only will things get missed, people get fed up of having to repeat themselves and so you might get fewer useful answers if they know it's all been said here already :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: youngescort on 12 March 2016, 07:35:10 pm
can anyone give me a hand with this.

I've spoken to another girl who advised me I need an accountant, however I'm struggling to find one and I don't want to just emal like hey I'm an escort please sort my taxes for me  ;D
I heard about a 'cover story' saying you run a business, like make up or beauty products etc etc but how do you claim tax back on the things us girls need to buy for escorting? I'm in the north west (Preston area) and if anyone has any suggestions that'd be great thanks xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 12 March 2016, 07:39:10 pm
And just like buses, here's another one.

YE, I've merged this for obvious reasons and there's an article on the main site too as well as a fair few oddbod threads scattered about the board which you should be able to find with the Search box :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 12 March 2016, 08:59:44 pm
Lacey - a disclaimer, I'm an AK client, and find them very good. I'm listed as an alternative therapist, and as Amy says, it's perfectly possible that might involve being e.g. some sort of sex surrogate. On the AK spreadsheet, there are columns for 'specialist clothing' (i.e. lingerie, stockings) and 'sundries' (i.e. condoms). There's no details about any of these - I would panic if I had an inspection as I don't keep many receipts/records!

TBH, the main thing that worries me is the advertising/promotion bit, as my website is obviously about escorting only, i.e. I don't have a 'cover story' website as a therapist.

But, I'll cross that bridge if I come to it. My guess would be that so long as you are declaring everything, and not claiming incorrectly, HRMC wouldn't be too bothered.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Teddy Bear on 13 March 2016, 01:11:17 am
Lacey it sounds like you have spoke to my accountant from the tax relief website and I can vouch for him if he is Scottish haha he's a great knowledgeable guy who helped me out immensely when I hired him this year. He does state that you should keep records of bookings but that is so he can fill out and file your tax return for you for a very reasonable fee of course. He has told me to keep a spreadsheet of my bookings and expenses (which I've always religiously done anyway) which I can email him when tax time comes and he'll do the rest, then I keep receipts in case my number ever comes up with HMRC.

From what he has told me only he will see the spreadsheet as the tax man is only interested in the figures not your punters names! Plus I am registered as a Consultant as he advised me most WG's have a pseudonym they work under and that I can claim anything that is used solely for work (petrol, phones, laptops, advertising, lingerie, condoms/lube, website etc.) and partially as well as a business percentage (living space or 'office' even though I don't do incalls of any kind, family laptop, Internet, webcams etc.), I already knew this from filing in the past but thought the info might help you.

Tax seems very intimidating but it's not really it's quite simple to understand when you know the facts and figures lol. Oh and I did email the accountants basically stating I was an escort looking for some advice it's not rude to do so.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MissFlint on 14 March 2016, 01:55:20 am
Thanks for the replies Kay and Teddy Bear. :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Ella mae on 16 March 2016, 09:19:49 am
I'm nearing the point of beginning to make a start trying to find work escorting...what I'm wondering is what people describe their job as for the purposes of tax returns and tax credits? I'm self employed already and I like to keep everything above board...what do I tell inland revenue!? Dealing with details before I begin...thanks x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Nova on 16 March 2016, 02:17:08 pm
If you want to keep everything above board, declare yourself as a sex worker.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: nachos on 05 April 2016, 03:36:26 pm
I'm sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere, but I have searched on here and couldn't find the exact answer.
I registered as an adult entertainer (dancer), but now my accountant told me he needs to have some sort of proof of income either a letter from a club I 'dance' at, or the agency I work for or something similar..
He said to me he doesn't want to get in trouble himself because of me (as he is chartered accountant and all), so I will have to provide him with some sort of proof, so that he is covered should anything occur.
Just wonder, those of you registered as entertainers/dancers, what sort of proof of income did you have to show, if any?
Thank you :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 05 April 2016, 03:41:21 pm
What does he think he'll 'get in trouble' for and with whom, exactly?

If you're self employed you don't work for anybody - I don't imagine many strip clubs and suchlike send letters out and since it wouldn't be in your legal name anyway it doesn't make sense?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 05 April 2016, 03:45:04 pm
I'm an independent sole trader, I work for me just as any other self-employed person. No agency or club. I keep a record of income and expenditure and the accountant I employ does the rest.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: nachos on 06 April 2016, 10:23:17 pm
Thank you very much ladies. This is what I thought, but just wanted to double check. Guess it brings up the question of 'adult industry-friendly' accountant (or probably the one who is familiar with dealing with us) vs a regular accountant.

I feel like I made a bit of a rushed decision with him, as he is totally clueless with the way adult-industry works and were originally asking me if I can get a club's manager to confirm in writing at the end of each shift how much money I made... :o

I had to reiterate numerous times how I work for various agencies, private events and even if I do work at a club every once in a while, I'm not intending to share with the managers just how much money I made, as it's none of their business really.

But he is rather inflexible in his thinking bless him, so I'm finding it rather difficult, as instead of answering my questions and making me feel better, by taking some burdens of my shoulders, he seems to be asking me questions and asking me for some 'mission impossible' things.

Oh well, my fault entirely, but as I have (foolishly) paid him his annual fee ?600 upfront, I'm now stuck with him until the end of the year... :FF
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: KDB on 07 April 2016, 08:04:35 am
I registered as an adult entertainer (dancer), but now my accountant told me he needs to have some sort of proof of income either a letter from a club I 'dance' at, or the agency I work for or something similar..
He said to me he doesn't want to get in trouble himself because of me (as he is chartered accountant and all), so I will have to provide him with some sort of proof, so that he is covered should anything occur.

Oh goodness he does not sound like the best person in the world to do your taxes.

When you have got your money's worth out of him let us know when you are ready to receive recommendations for a more clued-in one.  ::)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 07 April 2016, 08:13:23 am
I registered as an adult entertainer (dancer), but now my accountant told me he needs to have some sort of proof of income either a letter from a club I 'dance' at, or the agency I work for or something similar..
He said to me he doesn't want to get in trouble himself because of me (as he is chartered accountant and all), so I will have to provide him with some sort of proof, so that he is covered should anything occur.

Oh goodness he does not sound like the best person in the world to do your taxes.

No he does not. Is there no way you can question his competance and cancel?

His 'proof of income' is your records, which you supply him with after you've kept them over the tax year and from which he can add your takings up. Does he ask window cleaners to get a formal letter of engagement from everybody whose windows they wash?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: nachos on 10 April 2016, 02:19:30 pm
Thank you ladies for your input. I have emailed him my statements and records for the tax year gone, as I want him to do my tax return now so I can pay it now rather than wait.

I'll see what he says and if he is 'happy' with whatever information I provided. If not, I will just have to cut my losses and let him go now. It's a learning curve and I decided it will be a lot more beneficial to my emotional equillibrium to do that rather than worry about the fee I paid him. :(
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: KDB on 10 April 2016, 06:37:37 pm
Get what you have paid for then get an accountant who knows what he's doing!  ::)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: carachameleon on 13 April 2016, 03:34:38 am
I'm dreading the filing I have to do. I keep my receipts in a stash and need to sort them out. Errgghhhh. They dat back from last july. Gahhh
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LillyRose on 13 April 2016, 08:06:27 pm
I'm just wondering as escorts, what do you call your business to tax people? I'm in the middle of working my taxes out but I'm a little confused as to what to put as name of business. The reason I'm thinking about it is....although I model as well I'm not sure how flaky that may sound to say a landlord for example as I'm also looking for a flat within the next few months or so.

Would Dominatrix work as a good title? Or would that still put off landlords? I'm thinking it could work as that way it's still a good excuse to claim back expenses for travel & some items of clothing as well.....and possibly condoms?

Let me know your thoughts anyone, I'm pretty confused.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Nia Hope on 13 April 2016, 08:27:03 pm
I put therapist on mine, I think it can cover/explain any expenses in our line of work x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LillyRose on 13 April 2016, 08:31:51 pm
I put therapist on mine, I think it can cover/explain any expenses in our line of work x

Did you just put therapist or massage therapist or? What do you mange to claim back with expenses?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: trashbaby on 13 April 2016, 08:35:57 pm
You can claim back anything you want as a legitimate business expense.  It just depends whether you feel comfortable being sort of 'out' to HMRC.  They honestly don't give a shit as long as you pay your taxes. I think it was Amy who said that you could tell them you were a painter & decorator, and that you choose to use condoms to cover your brushes to keep them clean in the toolbox, and that would be perfectly justifiable and claimable.

I am down  as an Alternative Therapist and Freelance Writer, and I am soon going to add Webcam Services to that list to justify adultwork advertising costs, and lingerie/toys.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Nia Hope on 13 April 2016, 08:40:34 pm
I put therapist on mine, I think it can cover/explain any expenses in our line of work x

Did you just put therapist or massage therapist or? What do you mange to claim back with expenses?
I just put therapist, I do mainly Domme sessions and claimed back for everything, St. Andrew's Cross, spanking bench, gyne bench, electrics etc etc, as Poppy said they don't care as long as they're getting their cut!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 13 April 2016, 08:47:51 pm
I put therapist on mine, I think it can cover/explain any expenses in our line of work x

Did you just put therapist or massage therapist or? What do you mange to claim back with expenses?

Natalie, I've merged this with one of the larger of the many threads where this is covered, partly because there's a lot of useful information here (as well as in the Paying Taxes article on the main SAAFE site) but also so I don't have to type my stock post out again because it appears here about three times :).

Expenses are what you spend in order to be able to do your job. Provided that whatever you spend them on fits this description and they are categorically not for personal use, what your job is doesn't matter.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LillyRose on 13 April 2016, 09:02:03 pm
Oooo I like those descriptions, I should probably put webcam services too. I just thought you had to have one title to be honest didn't realize you could put a few. And what have you said to landlords etc, have you faced any issues in that sense?

And okay that's amazing doesn't really matter about expenses matching to job title. I'm going to claim literally on everything I can. Just working out what I can call myself, as will have to say something when find new place and things to a landlord hmm..

Thank you everyone x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LillyRose on 13 April 2016, 09:05:29 pm


Natalie, I've merged this with one of the larger of the many threads where this is covered, partly because there's a lot of useful information here (as well as in the Paying Taxes article on the main SAAFE site) but also so I don't have to type my stock post out again because it appears here about three times :).

Expenses are what you spend in order to be able to do your job. Provided that whatever you spend them on fits this description and they are categorically not for personal use, what your job is doesn't matter.
[/quote]

Thank you. Yes I realized I'd posted in wrong bit when had already posted lol
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Nia Hope on 13 April 2016, 09:11:06 pm
Oooo I like those descriptions, I should probably put webcam services too. I just thought you had to have one title to be honest didn't realize you could put a few. And what have you said to landlords etc, have you faced any issues in that sense?

And okay that's amazing doesn't really matter about expenses matching to job title. I'm going to claim literally on everything I can. Just working out what I can call myself, as will have to say something when find new place and things to a landlord hmm..

Thank you everyone x
Remember that our job is legal as indes and taxable so claim, claim, claim! I quite enjoy attempting to shock hmrc with the most outrageous equipment expenses x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 13 April 2016, 09:14:34 pm
Also remember that a landlord/prospective employer/random nosy bastard cannot ask HMRC to show them at your tax return and has no right to ask you either. It's sensitive personal information and between you, HMRC and your accountant if you have one :).

Remember that our job is legal as indes and taxable so claim, claim, claim! I quite enjoy attempting to shock hmrc with the most outrageous equipment expenses x

:D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Nia Hope on 13 April 2016, 09:21:22 pm
Also remember that a landlord/prospective employer/random nosy bastard cannot ask HMRC to show them at your tax return and has no right to ask you either. It's sensitive personal information and between you, HMRC and your accountant if you have one :).

Remember that our job is legal as indes and taxable so claim, claim, claim! I quite enjoy attempting to shock hmrc with the most outrageous equipment expenses x

:D
In light of this David Cameron tax "Scandal" I heard on the radio that anyone can request to see anyone's tax returns? But they have to make it known who they are?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 13 April 2016, 09:28:59 pm
Well if that's a new thing it's the first I've heard about it, but I'd be amazed if the privacy laws allowed it unless there was a bloody good reason.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LillyRose on 13 April 2016, 09:31:33 pm
Ahh really useful to know girls, thank you. I'm doing my taxes on my own so needed to figure it all out before I put something and possibly regret it haha. Hmm that's good point about it being not anyone's business as long as i have the right kind of income to afford a flat shouldn't have to give every detail under the sun.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Nia Hope on 13 April 2016, 09:33:03 pm
Well if that's a new thing it's the first I've heard about it, but I'd be amazed if the privacy laws allowed it unless there was a bloody good reason.
It was just a something on talk London yesterday, apparently hmrc have to inform you somebody has requested the info, news to me too.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Nia Hope on 13 April 2016, 09:36:20 pm
Ahh really useful to know girls, thank you. I'm doing my taxes on my own so needed to figure it all out before I put something and possibly regret it haha. Hmm that's good point about it being not anyone's business as long as i have the right kind of income to afford a flat shouldn't have to give every detail under the sun.
I'm ultra paranoid about hmrc, I read that they monitored a guys nectar card as he was declaring a lot less than he should have been, they nicked him based partly on his sainsburys spending! I never have any reward cards! Get an accountant Natalie, I pay ?450 a year to mine and he's worth every penny x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Nia Hope on 13 April 2016, 09:37:13 pm
I think I'm a news junkie!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LillyRose on 13 April 2016, 10:23:50 pm
Wow that's a great price! I may get one at some point but at same time once I know what to do it doesn't seem so difficult but will look into it for sure x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 11 May 2016, 05:28:21 pm
Thought I'd ask on this thread but I registered as an escort with HMRC in March. They said they'd send confirmation of this through the post but nothing turned up. Now they've sent me a letter to my mum's, but I'm pretty sure I gave them my uptodate address. Could this be the confirmation do you think?

Also, I've been self employed before but it was a while back and I can't remember whether HMRC write to you to remind you to do your self assessment tax return. As I've only been working six months,  I do not anticipate such a reminder yet, but as my mum has forwarded the letter on to me, I'm kinda alarmed at what it is they want.

Also, I have another business that I've registered with them but as that's nothing to do with my job I won't go into it here.

I hate receiving letters from them as they've cocked up on several previous occasions with my details.

Please, please will someone calm me down  ;D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 11 May 2016, 07:31:11 pm
Thought I'd ask on this thread but I registered as an escort with HMRC in March. They said they'd send confirmation of this through the post but nothing turned up. Now they've sent me a letter to my mum's, but I'm pretty sure I gave them my uptodate address. Could this be the confirmation do you think?

Also, I've been self employed before but it was a while back and I can't remember whether HMRC write to you to remind you to do your self assessment tax return. As I've only been working six months,  I do not anticipate such a reminder yet, but as my mum has forwarded the letter on to me, I'm kinda alarmed at what it is they want.

Also, I have another business that I've registered with them but as that's nothing to do with my job I won't go into it here.

I hate receiving letters from them as they've cocked up on several previous occasions with my details.

Please, please will someone calm me down  ;D

They send a reminder at the beginning of the tax year, which is probably what has arrived at your Mum's. Open it and see.

You can also register to access your account online, can check details, update information, but you must give the correct address so you can receive your account registration etc.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 11 May 2016, 08:00:15 pm
Thought I'd ask on this thread but I registered as an escort with HMRC in March. They said they'd send confirmation of this through the post but nothing turned up. Now they've sent me a letter to my mum's, but I'm pretty sure I gave them my uptodate address. Could this be the confirmation do you think?

Also, I've been self employed before but it was a while back and I can't remember whether HMRC write to you to remind you to do your self assessment tax return. As I've only been working six months,  I do not anticipate such a reminder yet, but as my mum has forwarded the letter on to me, I'm kinda alarmed at what it is they want.

Also, I have another business that I've registered with them but as that's nothing to do with my job I won't go into it here.

I hate receiving letters from them as they've cocked up on several previous occasions with my details.

Please, please will someone calm me down  ;D

They send a reminder at the beginning of the tax year, which is probably what has arrived at your Mum's. Open it and see.

You can also register to access your account online, can check details, update information, but you must give the correct address so you can receive your account registration etc.

Thanks Mirror. I was just panicking as I'm sure I gave them my current address. But as I've already said if they've made an error it isn't the first time.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: chocolate200 on 26 September 2016, 10:09:20 am
can anyone help me doing my tax returns dont have aa clue
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 26 September 2016, 10:13:55 am
Yes, HMRC can - this is assuming you don't want to use an accountant who will do it all for you.

You can call in at your local tax office, or call the helpline if you can't find what you're looking for on the website although all you really need to know is what you've earned and what you've spent to do it :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 27 September 2016, 09:25:14 am
can anyone help me doing my tax returns dont have aa clue
I would get an accountant. Mine is fabulous. HMRC have cocked up on so many occasions with me and they are a nightmare to deal with at the best of times. And that's if you can get them to answer the phone AND get one who actually knows what they are doing  ::) Now I don't have to deal with them at all as my accountant does it all for me. They can save you money too in the long run. My tax affairs are complicated though as it's not just this job they are dealing with.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: dser366 on 27 October 2016, 07:26:26 pm
This is my first year working and being registered as self employed and so I am just wondering what will happen at the end of the tax year? I plan on hiring an accountant but I was curious to know how much roughly do you think I would be paying in tax? I only work 1-2 days a week and earn on average 1.5k a month (I dont pay rent incase you were wondering how i get by). Also does the government ask for everything e.g all my earnings and expenses?
Thanks for any replies xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 27 October 2016, 07:41:49 pm
Well 1.5K a month would be 18K a year, which means that once you've taken off your personal allowance of 11K (which is what you can earn and keep before you pay any tax) you're left with 7K. You also take off your deductible expenses (things like condoms, lube, travel expenses, any hotels you've used for work) and what's left is your taxable profit and you'll pay 20% tax on this. So for example if your expenses are ?100 a month, that's ?1200 and a profit of ?5800 which means you'll pay ?1160 tax (20% of ?5800).

You also have to pay National Insurance on top and (more importantly because it's your first year), you'll have to pay half towards the next years' bill on account which can clatter it up quite a bit. But provided you've socked away 25-30% of your earnings* you'll have plenty, don't worry :).


*I say this as somebody who embarrassingly only started socking away the 25-30% about a month ago after doing her return online and having forgotten how much her overheads had dropped because of having a work flat instead of touring and spending too much on furniture ;D.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Roxy101 on 27 October 2016, 07:48:11 pm
Hey, Hun. Firstly, I definitely recommend an accountant. Preferably one that knows a bit about escorting or has other escort clients.

If you don't earn anything else and that's your only form of income you're allowed to now earn 11k before paying tax, so you'll only be taxed on 7k. So you'll be taxed about ?1,400 for the year. But this is before you deduct your expenses. Anything from traveling to outcalls, incall facilities, lingerie, advertising. Pretty much anything that goes toward your job. I get hair cuts, perfumes, make up, clothes, shoes, handbags, etc tax deductible. But of course within reason. If you're only earning that much a year, you wouldn't be able to go silly with it. The amount I earn a month I can claim quite a lot against tax. For example my accountant said something along the lines of, if you only earn X amount and you're claiming for expensive haircuts and lingerie and stuff, it won't add up, but if you're earning X amount (as in a lot more than the expensive stuff is worth) then you can claim it against tax. If that makes any sense. I'm not quite sure if I'm explaining myself well, since I'm currently typing on my phone.

And don't forget you'll have NI to pay as well. Class 2 is ?2.80 a week I do believe. If you're only earning what you've stated, you won't have to pay NI4. Because I do believe you have to have over ?8k profit to have to pay the 9% extra.

And to break it down. If you earn a profit more than ?8,060, you'll be paying 29% of your profit on tax and Ni. If you earn, I think it's, more than ?80k a year you'll then have to pay vat as well. But if you earn more than 43k profit you'll have to pay 40% tax and a 2% NI4.

I think this is correct.

X
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 27 October 2016, 07:53:16 pm
Anything from traveling to outcalls, incall facilities, lingerie, advertising. Pretty much anything that goes toward your job. I get hair cuts, perfumes, make up, clothes, shoes, handbags, etc tax deductible.

I'd be prepared to lose everything from your second list if you're ever investigated, with the possible exception of makeup if you have a completely separate set for work that you never wear outside it. I can't imagine anybody saying that they only ever have haircuts or buy handbags because they need them for sex work :).

Then again, it's your accountant that'll take the hit if they've put them through.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Roxy101 on 27 October 2016, 07:57:58 pm
Really? Damn, I was told I could as long as for example the hair cut costs X amount and say later that day I have an appointment that'll earn me XX amount.

Everything I claim against tax I give to my accountant and tell him what it is and when it's bought with receipts and things and there wasn't a problem claiming it. Hmm. My mind has been blown, as the kids say these days lol

 
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 27 October 2016, 08:03:38 pm
Really? Damn, I was told I could as long as for example the hair cut costs X amount and say later that day I have an appointment that'll earn me XX amount.

Everything I claim against tax I give to my accountant and tell him what it is and when it's bought with receipts and things and there wasn't a problem claiming it. Hmm. My mind has been blown, as the kids say these days lol

The amount you earn has nothing to do with what you can claim tax relief against! Your accountant is basically telling you that if you're going to underdeclare (and therefore defraud the tax man) to make it convincing, which is all very well but hardly appropriate.

You can claim expenses which you incur wholly and completely as a result of your business. Therefore a taxi to an outcall without which you wouldn't be able to do your booking is a deductible expense. Getting your hair cut so it looks nice whether you're working or not, is not - there's personal benefit involved.

Clothing is somewhere in the middle - I once claimed for an outfit I had to buy as a punter was taking me to an event (which I could prove, because I had a ticket) and I had nothing to wear, which was fine. What I can't do is claim because I bought a new coat and wore it to a outcall, because all I did was buy a coat I would have got anyway :).


EDIT: The main general 'tax' thread is here (http://www.saafe.info/main/index.php?topic=23597.0) too, before I forget :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 27 October 2016, 08:33:34 pm
Disclaimer right up front: i'M A SOCIALIST AND PROUD

You can only claim as a business expense those costs which you wouldn't have incurred if you weren't doing sex work.
So train tickets, your hotel costs, yes those are allowable.
Makeup? Well any makeup claims will be subject to scrutiny, because let's be honest, most of us wear makeup in our personal lives.
If you work from home then you can claim a proportion of household bills as taxable, the same as any self employed person.

For beauty type stuff (sunbeds, waxing, makeup) you'd have to be prepared to prove that you didn't spend money on that as an individual.

I'm very "proper" with what I claim as taxable expenses. I am also very left wing, LOL. I'm sure you ca n get away with a lot more than I do.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 27 October 2016, 10:11:59 pm
Yes, it needs to be wholly dedicated to your business to be an expense. So I could claim a new extra laptop for exclusive use in my other job, but not a new bed for whoring because I also sometimes sleep on it. Re. clothing I claim underwear, stockings and clothes that I use only for/with clients.

I put aside 20% of all my earnings, and that's been ample for me - I'll have a couple of grand to carry over into 2017/18 after paying in January and June. Best of all, for at least six months I'll get to keep all my earnings. Then again, that is because I don't earn much!

Definitely find an accountant to get you started.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: dser366 on 28 October 2016, 12:46:00 am
wow thanks so much to all of you. that is all very very helpful to me. I will definitely need an accountant now! xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Caledonia on 28 October 2016, 02:25:57 am
Am I right in thinking that if you have a room you use only for work whether its escorting or camming you can claim a proportion of the rent and bills but if you use your own bedroom or living room you can't as you would be using ihe room anyway?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 28 October 2016, 02:33:08 am
Am I right in thinking that if you have a room you use only for work whether its escorting or camming you can claim a proportion of the rent and bills but if you use your own bedroom or living room you can't as you would be using ihe room anyway?

Yes. I sort of fudge it as I do another job as well, for which I mainly use two rooms, and then one of my bedrooms is my working room. I have seven rooms in my house and claim for one, i.e. one-seventh of all my utility bills. I don't specifically claim for e.g. laundry, hot water for showers etc.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Fabulassie on 28 October 2016, 04:18:34 am
Am I right in thinking that if you have a room you use only for work whether its escorting or camming you can claim a proportion of the rent and bills but if you use your own bedroom or living room you can't as you would be using ihe room anyway?

Yes. You can probably claim a bit of the heat, electricity and water, putting them down to client showers and laundry for the linens.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 28 October 2016, 09:11:13 am
They've recently changed the rules for claiming a proportion of your home bills. See here:
https://www.gov.uk/ simpler-income-tax-simplified-expenses/working-from-home

You can also work it out the other way around, but I don't know whether they would accept this scenario: living at your business premises
https://www.gov.uk/ simpler-income-tax-simplified-expenses/living-at-your-business-premises

Would need to consult an accountant about that one I think. The scenarios they gave were all where you'd be catering to people who stayed there overnight or permanently. I'm guessing if you tried to do that one you'd need to have your property registered under your business name and classed as commercial rather than residential.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Caledonia on 28 October 2016, 10:47:21 am
Yes. You can probably claim a bit of the heat, electricity and water, putting them down to client showers and laundry for the linens.

Yes but what about for camming?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Cat_BBW on 28 October 2016, 02:25:25 pm
Yes but what about for camming?

Same. Its still work and you're still using a %of your home/bills when working.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 28 October 2016, 02:56:09 pm
I use the heating a lot more when I'm camming. Sat there in my undies, it's not like I can put my thermals on!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: dser366 on 28 October 2016, 04:16:41 pm
Is paying for hotels a claim i can make?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: dser366 on 28 October 2016, 04:18:40 pm
Oh i see it is now. is that why some of you choose to stay in nice hotels?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: dser366 on 28 October 2016, 04:33:04 pm
Omg i just read somewhere about having to pay a NI ClassII payment monthly?? I dont know what this is and i haven't been doing it! am i completely screwed?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Nora batty on 28 October 2016, 04:43:41 pm
Omg i just read somewhere about having to pay a NI ClassII payment monthly?? I dont know what this is and i haven't been doing it! am i completely screwed?

They no longer make you pay NI monthly/quarterly for that, it's all lumped into one bill now.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 28 October 2016, 04:46:51 pm
Omg i just read somewhere about having to pay a NI ClassII payment monthly?? I dont know what this is and i haven't been doing it! am i completely screwed?

No, because it just gets added to your tax bill. I haven't paid the monthly contributions since they changed it (just over a year ago, I think).

Nothing you could do or have done is going to make you 'completely screwed'. Even if you're talking about the year ended April 2016 rather than the current tax year, your return/payment isn't due until January 31st so you've got plenty of time to sort yourself out, although time spent asking us here would certainly be better used calling the HMRC New Self Employed Helpline :).

EDIT: crossed posts with NB, said same thing
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: dser366 on 28 October 2016, 05:13:34 pm
that is a relief! and yes i will get other help just can't resist on here when everyone is so smart and helpful lol alright thank you amy x :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Fabulassie on 28 October 2016, 05:14:59 pm
Yes you can claim hotels. But I don't think there's anything to gain by claiming more expensive hotels. If you are staying in a ?200 a night hotel, you still gotta suck ?200 worth of cock just to pay for the room.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 28 October 2016, 05:17:10 pm
I will definitely need an accountant now! xx

Well making sure you're keeping proper records of all your bookings and outgoings is more important, but if you're really not confident doing it yourself then yes. I had an accountant for a few years and it made me far more confident about looking credible when I bought my home and flat because I had proper audited accounts to show if I'd needed to.

All you really need to do is Google 'chartered accountant [your town]' and start ringing round - there's not exactly a dearth of them in the world, and our business model is incredibly simple so it shouldn't be expensive. Just speak to a few and pick one you like :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 28 October 2016, 05:37:52 pm
There's no specific tax advantage to spending more on your overheads, unless you're maybe bordering on the higher rate band and want to stay below it. It doesn't even make any difference if you'd passed the VAT threshold, since that goes on turnover (so you're still liable for it even if you made a loss).

There's plenty of discussions on hotel choices scattered around the forum :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: wishlist on 28 October 2016, 05:41:49 pm
I use the heating a lot more when I'm camming. Sat there in my undies, it's not like I can put my thermals on!

I dont cam full time now i used to and i was in the top 5 cammers on AW but boy my gas took a hammering, since camming when i choose my bill is so much lower
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 28 October 2016, 05:51:18 pm
Oh i see it is now. is that why some of you choose to stay in nice hotels?

No you only save 20(or 25 can't remember which) percent of your costs, so you don't actually make more. I choose based on convenience, discretion, facilities, what's available and the most bang for my buck. Sometimes it's a very basic hotel, sometimes it's a better standard.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Cat_BBW on 29 October 2016, 04:28:45 pm
I use the heating a lot more when I'm camming. Sat there in my undies, it's not like I can put my thermals on!

LOL "there's a fetish for that!"  ;D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 29 October 2016, 06:42:03 pm
LOL "there's a fetish for that!"  ;D

Maybe I should put up a show schedule and see what happens
"Plus size MILF in the most unflattering thermals you'll ever see! Watch me blow under my hands and exclaim how parky it is!"
Probably get a load of elderly blokes saying they haven't seen so much magnificent flannel since their Gertrude passed away  :D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Cat_BBW on 29 October 2016, 06:59:53 pm
Maybe I should put up a show schedule and see what happens
"Plus size MILF in the most unflattering thermals you'll ever see! Watch me blow under my hands and exclaim how parky it is!"
Probably get a load of elderly blokes saying they haven't seen so much magnificent flannel since their Gertrude passed away  :D

I laughed so loud then!!!!! :D :D ;D ;D :D :D Parky! Magnificent flannel! ROFL!!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mariah on 24 November 2016, 08:00:05 pm
If you want to say you're a masseur, the only thing you won't be able to claim for really is condoms. It's unlikely to be an issue with the HMRC so long as you're paying the correct amount of tax.
[/quote]

You could be cheeky and claim for condoms under 'First Aid/Medical Supplies'. That's what I would do. At the end of the year you don't have to provide a detailed breakdown of what the expenses are actually for when you're filing your physical Tax Return online (however, you will need to account for them in them in your analysis of your receipts/expenditure for your income and expenditure account. IMO, they are a 100% legitimate business expense and incurred wholly and necessarily in the running of your business (The other thing you could do is buy some petty cash receipts from WH Smith's and write a petty cash receipt for the condoms with the date and purchase price but just list the item as 'chemist goods' or even 'latex gloves'. Then file the petty cash receipt and NOT the actual chemist receipt. (I would just say I had an allergy or skin irritation like eczema/dermatitis  and was forced to wear latex/vinyl gloves because the repeated use of oils and hand washing when carrying out massages forced you to wear gloves to protect your hands from further irritation). It's only likely to be picked up if HMRC do a check into your tax affairs. Even if that happens, I imagine they'll do one of two things: (a) disallow it and say it's not claimable (b) say it's under the wrong expense heading. If in doubt query HMRC directly or a knowledgeable accountant.

I would be sorely tempted to put it under 'uniforms'...lol. IMO, it is an essential part of my uniform! I doubt you'd get away with that though. It's easier to make it disappear under first aid or a similar heading.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ladyofthemansion on 08 December 2016, 04:14:18 pm
Can anyone recommend an accountant in Glasgow where you can sit in his office and chat rather than communicating with someone via email?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Philippa Joyce on 06 January 2017, 05:22:58 pm
Hi, can anyone advise me how I go about paying tax on my escort earnings please as this is something I am thinking of doing
Thank you
Love Abi xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Fliss on 06 January 2017, 05:35:44 pm
Loads of threads on this here's one long one...

http://www.saafe.info/main/index.php?topic=23597.0
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Philippa Joyce on 06 January 2017, 05:52:04 pm
Thank ypu and apologies if i posted in wrong place xxx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 06 January 2017, 05:58:15 pm
Yes, plenty of advice in the long thread.

Paying tax on your earnings isn't optional or something you get to think about whether or not to do - it's compulsory and anybody not doing so is committing an offence, not to mention expecting the rest of us to pick up their share for them.

If you started working fairly recently then you still have plenty of time to register and get organised; the current tax year's return isn't due until January 2018 and if you get stuck you can call the HMRC helpline (although they're going to be busy at the moment) :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: nemature on 06 January 2017, 10:22:31 pm
I work in as self employed in a civvie job and just add the earnings from sw onto my regular earnings when i put my self assessment in. I have not had a problem but believe all earnings should be declared for tax purposes
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 07 January 2017, 01:50:43 am
Hi, can anyone advise me how I go about paying tax on my escort earnings please as this is something I am thinking of doing
Thank you
Love Abi xx

As Amy says, you HAVE to do it - it's not optional! If being self-employed is new to you, I'd recommend paying an accountant to at least help you get started.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SweetAngel on 14 January 2017, 10:26:47 pm
I am sorry if this question has been discussed already but I couldn't find exactly what I am looking for. So what are the pros and cons of being register as an escorts? Is it true that you have hard time with mortgage,loans and contracts?  ::)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 14 January 2017, 10:39:39 pm
If one more person says you 'can't' claim tax relief on condoms and so on unless you're registered as a sex worker I'm giving up and heading for the roof :).

I don't think there are any huge advantages bar the obvious one of honesty - if it suits you better to put therapist or entertainer (which are both just as true without being as specific) just put that. I'm registered as a sex worker because that's what my occupation is and I don't have any reason to put anything else.

I had no trouble at all getting a smallish loan towards my flat and I was offered mortgages before I bought my home although I didn't need one in the end. I don't know what 'contracts' you mean but the majority in my experience just want to know if you're self employed.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 14 January 2017, 11:58:31 pm
I think SweetAngel may have meant rental contracts, and that would be a definite drawback for most landlords, even if you say you're not going to work out of their premises.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SweetAngel on 15 January 2017, 10:03:21 am
Exactly. Some landlords don't care what exactly you work as long  as you are employed and able to rent. But some agencies are doing full check. And also I had some information that some banks can even shut your account??  ???
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ladyofthemansion on 15 January 2017, 10:25:34 am
Exactly. Some landlords don't care what exactly you work as long  as you are employed and able to rent. But some agencies are doing full check. And also I had some information that some banks can even shut your account??  ???

My bank has threatened to close down mine if I don't change to a business account!!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 15 January 2017, 10:42:54 am
Exactly. Some landlords don't care what exactly you work as long  as you are employed and able to rent. But some agencies are doing full check. And also I had some information that some banks can even shut your account??  ???

I know a lot of self employed people from window cleaners and carpet fitters to beauticians and (obviously :)) prossies, many of whom rent, and I've never heard of any of them being forced to show their tax return to random members of the public including landlords. Bank statements, accounts summaries and reference letters from bank/accountant, yes.

I'm not saying it doesn't happen (and in some of the more chi chi postcodes it almost certainly does, but given that this would be about a thousandth of a percent of the country it's not really a benchmark) but as demonstrated on the flat renting threads here it's not common.

My bank has threatened to close down mine if I don't change to a business account!!

That's because they think they can get more money out of you, not because of anything to do with tax or occupation. Business accounts are expensive.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Emma_C on 15 January 2017, 10:51:15 am
Yes but what about for camming?

70% of your ISP bill etc
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 15 January 2017, 03:20:05 pm
I know a lot of self employed people from window cleaners and carpet fitters to beauticians and (obviously :)) prossies, many of whom rent, and I've never heard of any of them being forced to show their tax return to random members of the public including landlords. Bank statements, accounts summaries and reference letters from bank/accountant, yes.

I'm not saying it doesn't happen (and in some of the more chi chi postcodes it almost certainly does, but given that this would be about a thousandth of a percent of the country it's not really a benchmark) but as demonstrated on the flat renting threads here it's not common.

That's because they think they can get more money out of you, not because of anything to do with tax or occupation. Business accounts are expensive.

Does your HMRC summary not show your business "type" then Amy? Is the end of year summary of turnover enough for most landlords? I haven't yet tried to rent since quitting my civvy job so this is a bit of an unknown for me.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 15 January 2017, 03:48:46 pm
I didn't know HMRC supplied accounts summaries - I was talking about records prepared by an accountant or by yourself if you do your own. As a sole trader, mine contain my name.

I haven't rented property for well over twenty years, but from the admittedly small straw poll I did this morning the general consensus was that the bank statements and information were more important, that is, proof that you have money coming in and can pay the rent - banks also used to write a supporting letter for a nominal fee if you don't have an accountant to do it. Landlords don't have any legal right to insist on seeing this stuff, and it's extremely sensitive information - they can set whatever conditions they like but you don't have to comply with them, although if it's that much of a concern I would just put Therapist or Entertainer, since both descriptions are true by virtue of being essentially meaningless.

Apart from anything else, if you haven't been self employed for long, you won't even have a tax return?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 15 January 2017, 05:41:35 pm
Does your HMRC summary not show your business "type" then Amy? Is the end of year summary of turnover enough for most landlords? I haven't yet tried to rent since quitting my civvy job so this is a bit of an unknown for me.

When I last rented I showed them a page from the return which summarised incoming money for the year. That was acceptable 6 years ago, I have since heard that they often now ask to see the same information for the last 3 years.

You could casually contact a few letting agents, ask them what they require from prospective tenants, no need for any cover story. Just say you are wondering which is the truth.

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 16 January 2017, 08:13:13 am
Thanks both. Amy as well as doing civvy work I've always done other freelance stuff on the side, so I actually have 10 years' worth of tax returns. No worries on that side. I'll ring some letting agents over the next few weeks. I'm not looking to move until April so if I crack on quickly and keep everything up to date, I can probably submit my latest tax return as well.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 16 January 2017, 09:38:02 am
Well I was speaking generally as well as trying to stay vaguely relevant so I don't have to start rooting for one of the flat renting threads; somebody who started in (say) June 2016 will have their first tax year end this April and their tax return won't be due until January 31st 2018, so they could have eighteen months trading before they have one.

Back on topic, I don't know how many other people got the email but HMRC are doing 'webinars' (I know :-X) for people who might be having difficulty filling in their return and want advice - they're every lunchtime this week for a couple of hours. I'm pretty sure there should be information on their site, but anybody wants a link to book one let me know and I can send it :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SweetAngel on 17 January 2017, 12:01:30 pm
Girls, I need some advice here. So I had this client that became kind of friend to me. He is accountant so I was thinking to let him help me with my tax. It's my first year self employed and first tax payment. The accountant that registered me doesn't have a clue what I am really doing.
Do you think it's wise decision to trust him? I mean he will have my real personal details, address,  income etc.  ???
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SweetAngel on 17 January 2017, 12:16:37 pm
:FF  :FF  :FF

Hahah I know it sounds stupid, but I really want someone who knows the truth and can help me. Just am afraid that he wI'll try to take advantage of all this.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: BibiofLeeds on 17 January 2017, 12:25:58 pm
 I really wouldn't mix personal life with business..either do your accounts yourself (it's not that difficult or find an accountant that isn't a client)
Do you really want a client knowing all your real life details and how much you earn etc?!?
If you google escort friendly accountants you will find one that is perfectly fine with what you do.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SweetAngel on 17 January 2017, 12:28:46 pm
I will look for it. Thank you x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mariah on 17 January 2017, 11:07:58 pm
I will look for it. Thank you x

He probably is but how do you know for certain that he really is an accountant. Punters are notorious for lying about themselves (in their favour the majority are just trying to be discreet). I can't think of anything worse than a client knowing everything about me. It leaves you very compromised should anything go wrong.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Scottish Emily on 05 March 2017, 08:22:40 pm
Advice please on how to go about registering myself as self employed. I think I have worked out the basics but wanted to be sure. I'm going to say I do mobile hair and beauty.
How does it work with tax?
A run through of the process would be great.

Thank you!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: barbie88 on 05 March 2017, 08:34:59 pm
Hey babe

I just contacted a accountant that was recommended to me and she looked after me did it all for me I think it was years ago . If you get a accountant they will look after you if your doing in your self I would call up the hmrc and they will advise you xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: barbie88 on 05 March 2017, 08:36:25 pm
She sorted it all out for me . My friend does it her self and I'm sure she just called up the hmrc and they sent her out all the info she needed X
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Scottish Emily on 05 March 2017, 08:38:21 pm
I just whats app'd u there. I was going to give the HMRC a ring tomorrow anyway. I think I could sort out the accounts paperwork myself with a bit of help from hubby.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 05 March 2017, 08:41:45 pm
It's pretty easy to do it yourself if you're organised and are happy with reading through the government bumpf - which can sometimes be a bit confusing.
https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns/overview

You can register for self-assessment here:
https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return/register-if-youre-self-employed

If you earned more than ?83k last year (gross sales, not including expenses) then you need to register for VAT. In that case (and when I get there, I will) employ an accountant.

I've been doing self-assessment for nigh on 10 years now as a civvy freelancer. As long as you keep good income/outgoings records, it's really pretty simple. I like to keep my accounts up to date every month so when I get to the end of the tax year I can just add everything up and submit it.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: barbie88 on 05 March 2017, 08:42:55 pm
If your happy to do it your self go for it . I can't be bothered with it all so I have a Accountant I wouldn't know where to bloody Start . I get stressed enough with sending stuff off to her never mind doing it all my self . I'm pretty sure she regeisterd me as self employed yeh  just call them X
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: barbie88 on 05 March 2017, 08:48:32 pm
I'm more prepared this year I'll be sending all my info off to early this year instead of 3 days before the deadline . Just a tip when I'm on tour i chuck all my receipts from the hotel and travel into a little plastic bag and then keep all my tax stuff in a big pink box with all my books I also write stuff down like say if I decided I couldn't he assed to work due to a bad experience or it was dead or I got there and hotel was key carded I write it all down . Just incase I was ever looked into randomly and they tried to question why I made less on a certain day I can remind my self I just like to make sure I keep it all together so it's in one place . X
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 05 March 2017, 09:10:01 pm
when I'm on tour i chuck all my receipts from the hotel and travel into a little plastic bag and then keep all my tax stuff in a big pink box with all my books
That's amazing - my receipts box file is also pink!  ;D
(So is my appointments book!)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Scottish Emily on 05 March 2017, 09:24:16 pm
What are you registered as? Is mobile make up and hair a good 1?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 05 March 2017, 09:26:32 pm
It's up to you what you describe your business as.

I'm going for "Consultant" this year.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 05 March 2017, 10:05:00 pm
I've merged this with the longest of the existing threads, but there are plenty more - a search I did for 'tax' brought over 20 pages of results so it should all be here somewhere :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 05 March 2017, 10:13:58 pm
And just to save time:

You may claim tax relief against any expense which is incurred wholly and exclusively in the running of your business, and this includes condoms (which are as much protective clothing as anything else), lube, sex toys, hosiery and clothing provided they're used/worn only for work, hotels and travel expenses and all the rest.

What you put on your form is up to you, but as Kay has said, nobody really cares provided you pay your tax. If I was a painter and decorator and decided that I wanted to keep my brush heads in condoms so they were protected from dust, I would have every right to claim for them then, too. But to claim expenses you do need to keep your receipts or you've got no proof you ever paid the money out for them - you must have some confirmation emails from hotels, or stuff you've ordered online, mobile topup receipts? If not, don't worry - just start saving them from now :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Roxy16 on 13 March 2017, 10:41:51 am
hi guys, apologies if this has been mentioned before but seeking some advice regarding the whole self employed malarkey.. when I come to do my self assessment what proof do they need? do I need to provide addresses if I'm doing oucalls? if I'm doing incalls do I need to provide names and numbers? this is worrying me and giving me a headache :(    thanks in advance x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: KylieTs on 13 March 2017, 12:20:14 pm
Hi Roxy, firstly all you need do is go on the HMRC and register as self-employed, if you are concerned about declaring yourself as an escort/webcammer you dont have to, lots of escorts use their "normal" business, or you can be a counsellor, therapist or entertainer. Escorting by yourself is not a crime and perfectly lawful and the revenue,HMRC are more interested in catching those who arent registered, then they use a draconian method of calculating your back-tax, ie hourly rate ?120X 40 hours, which, ofcourse we know is unrealistic.
After that, usual self-employed rules apply if you under-estimate your earnings and they can prove otherwise with your assets, (and a tax inspector once told me the biggest sourse of investigations is people "dobbing" others in!
No, you dont need to keep address, clients numbers or anything else, just like any "cash" business, if you go to the hairdressers they arent going to ask your details!

A simple notebook to keep the most basic of records (a page a day diary is ok for simple work) each day record your "sales" in one column, then any "expenses"=final profit/loss for each week, then do the same till end of tax year, then you you will get a simplified self-assessment form to return with totals, and they work out your tax n.i. , you pay class 2 N.I, then class 4 after ?16.000-(thats what the Govt has just put up)-but its in your own interest, as if you are going to do this for a long time, it credits you towards benefits/state pension in the future.
Two big advantages of doing this is 1. you cant be blackmailed by clients etc,and 2. you have to keep your books for six years, its very handy to refer to each week to see what it was like last year, so can plan your holidays during quiet times.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Caledonia on 13 March 2017, 12:52:28 pm
You need to keep details of when you had appointments and how long for, as well as receipts for any expenses you have in case your ever audited. But if its just for filling in your self assessment once the new tax year starts then really you only need the figures for your income and expenses for the year.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Roxy16 on 13 March 2017, 02:51:59 pm
thank you guys!!! I feel so much better :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: carachameleon on 30 March 2017, 04:33:21 am
Okay, I've read through other threads but this seemed to be the most recent one.

I'm wondering if any of you put through gym expenses as a tax deductible expense. Part of the job is to look good so my work out is  essential to me being an escort. I can honestly say that if I wasn't one, I would not bother. I'm thinking of putting at least half of it, if not all as an expense. I'm chucking haircuts, mani and pedis as part of business expense as well  ::)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Caledonia on 30 March 2017, 05:36:05 am
Okay, I've read through other threads but this seemed to be the most recent one.

I'm wondering if any of you put through gym expenses as a tax deductible expense. Part of the job is to look good so my work out is  essential to me being an escort. I can honestly say that if I wasn't one, I would not bother. I'm thinking of putting at least half of it, if not all as an expense. I'm chucking haircuts, mani and pedis as part of business expense as well  ::)

You can claim for any expenses that are ?wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the business?. The wholly and exclusively rule means that any expenses which have a mixed personal as well as a business purpose are not allowable.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 30 March 2017, 08:00:51 am
You can claim for any expenses that are ?wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the business?. The wholly and exclusively rule means that any expenses which have a mixed personal as well as a business purpose are not allowable.

Yup, at times I advertise as being very 'athletic', accountant says gym fees cannot be put through.

There's nothing to actually stop you including it in the expenses total on your form(which is why you'll hear stories of people 'claiming' all sorts of things as expenses), it's only if you are are investigated that it would become a problem.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: QueenB on 24 April 2017, 05:17:09 pm
Hi all my mind is boggling  :FF and need some help   ::)

Ok my last business was a 'massage' business which I registered with Companies house and employed an accountant who advised me to register as a ltd company. In fairness they only cost me ?250 a year and did the odd letter of reference for me when needed at a small fee. I even had a business bank account but they closed it after 6 months without an explanation, I think it was due to the name of the business and nature of it, someone obviously looked at my website and ratted.

SO, now i've scrubbed that and change the nature of the business to a mobile photographer/Editor (as this is what I want to eventually make a career of once i hang my stockings up) but thinking this time just as a sole trader? I did see a very old post which was too old to comment on

My question is from your experiences ladies what do you find works for you and why? Any ideas or advice would be most appreciated

x

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Cat_BBW on 24 April 2017, 08:43:09 pm
Hi all my mind is boggling  :FF and need some help   ::)

Ok my last business was a 'massage' business which I registered with Companies house and employed an accountant who advised me to register as a ltd company. In fairness they only cost me ?250 a year and did the odd letter of reference for me when needed at a small fee. I even had a business bank account but they closed it after 6 months without an explanation, I think it was due to the name of the business and nature of it, someone obviously looked at my website and ratted.

SO, now i've scrubbed that and change the nature of the business to a mobile photographer/Editor (as this is what I want to eventually make a career of once i hang my stockings up) but thinking this time just as a sole trader? I did see a very old post which was too old to comment on

My question is from your experiences ladies what do you find works for you and why? Any ideas or advice would be most appreciated

x

You should be set up as a sole trader or individual.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 24 April 2017, 09:34:50 pm
Hi all my mind is boggling  :FF and need some help   ::)

Ok my last business was a 'massage' business which I registered with Companies house and employed an accountant who advised me to register as a ltd company. In fairness they only cost me ?250 a year and did the odd letter of reference for me when needed at a small fee. I even had a business bank account but they closed it after 6 months without an explanation, I think it was due to the name of the business and nature of it, someone obviously looked at my website and ratted.

SO, now i've scrubbed that and change the nature of the business to a mobile photographer/Editor (as this is what I want to eventually make a career of once i hang my stockings up) but thinking this time just as a sole trader? I did see a very old post which was too old to comment on

My question is from your experiences ladies what do you find works for you and why? Any ideas or advice would be most appreciated

x

You don't need to be a limited company, but if you've set one up already it might be worth keeping it going. I would have a chat with a business adviser/accountant, but for 'futureproofing' keeping the limited company could be worthwhile.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 14 May 2017, 10:32:23 am
Does hotel rent also goes as expences being selfemployed?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 14 May 2017, 10:34:36 am
Does hotel rent also goes as expences being selfemployed?

Yes, presuming the only reason you've booked a hotel is to work.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: lady c on 23 May 2017, 05:24:21 pm
Hi all my mind is boggling  :FF and need some help   ::)

Ok my last business was a 'massage' business which I registered with Companies house and employed an accountant who advised me to register as a ltd company. In fairness they only cost me ?250 a year and did the odd letter of reference for me when needed at a small fee. I even had a business bank account but they closed it after 6 months without an explanation, I think it was due to the name of the business and nature of it, someone obviously looked at my website and ratted.

SO, now i've scrubbed that and change the nature of the business to a mobile photographer/Editor (as this is what I want to eventually make a career of once i hang my stockings up) but thinking this time just as a sole trader? I did see a very old post which was too old to comment on

My question is from your experiences ladies what do you find works for you and why? Any ideas or advice would be most appreciated


Hi demi my business is also a massage business and i am registered as a sole trader I also have a business account and on it is my business name massage boutique, not sure why they cancelled yours though its not the banks business how you earn your cash.. My son did recommend becoming a limited company but not sure yet.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 10 November 2017, 08:49:41 pm
Apologies but I'm qute confused with this at the present time and my accountant is not being much help.

My question is, as a sole trader: When do you start paying tax? meaning, how much you need to earn to start paying taxes? I just read that it's after 10000 a year that you start paying tax. is that correct? So let's say if I made (this is a supposition) 12,000 a year will I have to pay tax on the whole 12,000 or the 2,000? (HNRC says that the first 10,000 you make a year are tax free).

Sorry I'm confused.

thanks for the feedback.

ana
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Hotblondie on 10 November 2017, 08:57:52 pm
You are paying tax on the earnings over the personal limit wich is ?10.000 or more, depending on your tax code.
So you pay 20% tax on the ?2.000 or more earned in a year.

Quote
For earned income of ?0 to ?32,000 above the personal allowance, which means ?11,000 to ?43,000 of gross earned income, the basic income tax rate is 20%. The higher rate of 40% applies when the earned income is ?32,001 to ?150,000 above the personal allowance

You can find more information on: https:// www.gov.uk/income-tax
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 10 November 2017, 09:00:46 pm
You are paying tax on the earnings over the personal limit wich is ?10.000 or more, depending on your tax code.
So you pay 20% tax on the ?2.000 or more earned in a year.

Thanks for the response hotblondie. So If I made (let's say) 20,000 this last  tax year I would be paying tax for 10,000 pounds only, is that correct?

Got it.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: CassieLove on 10 November 2017, 09:06:35 pm
Hi

I don't know the answer but I am surprised that your accountant doesn't know...I would suggest you need a new accountant..my accountant does my accounts for my escorting...my company not escort related business and my employment and he is great.  I have just been advised that I am due a tax rebate...so very happy.
Tax can be complicated and very individual so you need to get advice from a qualified accountant.

X

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 10 November 2017, 09:16:15 pm
Hi

I don't know the answer but I am surprised that your accountant doesn't know...I would suggest you need a new accountant..my accountant does my accounts for my escorting...my company not escort related business and my employment and he is great.  I have just been advised that I am due a tax rebate...so very happy.
Tax can be complicated and very individual so you need to get advice from a qualified accountant.

X

He knows but his answers are always so ambigous. ??? I think he likes to keep me "confused" so that I don't do the self assesment myself and pay his  high fees lol
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mariah on 10 November 2017, 10:21:01 pm
Firstly I'm not sure which tax year you are referring too, but the current tax year ending 5 April 2018 the personal allowance is ?11,500. For the previous tax ending 5 April 2017 it is ?11,000.

So as an example:

For the tax year 2017-18 (the tax year ends on 5 April 2018)

Your personal allowance is ?11,500. (you do NOT pay any income tax on this amount).
You then pay a basic rate of tax of 20% in respect of your earnings from ?11,501 - ?45,000.

?20,000 - ?11,500 = ?8,500 of taxable income
However, let's say your gross income/turnover is ?20,000 but you incurred ?5,000 of legitimate business expenditure;

Gross turnover                       ?20,000
Minus business expenditure   -?5,000
Balance                                 ?15,000             

 ?15,000 (this is your turnover after your business expenses are taken off)
-?11,500 (minus this figure for your personal allowance)
-----------
=?3,500  (Balance)
======
 
You would be liable for 20% tax on ?3,500 = ?700.00 tax bill
You are also liable for NIC contributions but this is not taken in to account in the above hypothetical scenario.

Edit: I hope to God I got my figures correct as I'm tired!
No matter what you earn, you are bound to have some kind of legitimate business expenditure; adverts, travel, phone, internet, laptop, uniform/lingerie, condoms, etc. You always take your total earnings so in your case ?12,000 - ???.?? for expenses. If the figure left is the same as or lower than your personal allowance figure of ?10,000 then no tax is payable.

If for example you had no expenses, there would probably be a flat rate due of 20% on ?2,000. So you would basically end up with a ?400 tax bill.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 11 November 2017, 07:05:28 am
He knows but his answers are always so ambigous. ??? I think he likes to keep me "confused" so that I don't do the self assesment myself and pay his  high fees lol

How much you pay your accountant monthly? i pay ?60/pm.
to me is tooo much! LOL
 :P
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 11 November 2017, 08:49:30 am
How much you pay your accountant monthly? i pay ?60/pm.
to me is tooo much! LOL
 :P

Well find someone else.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 11 November 2017, 09:26:37 am
Well find someone else.

i need to check out if in London there s less cheaper! i found very expansive...more if you do not earn a lot...
i ll check it!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 21 November 2017, 09:22:34 pm
Lunch and dinner on the days when you work cannot be claimed as expense?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mature helen on 21 November 2017, 09:52:34 pm
Lunch and dinner on the days when you work cannot be claimed as expense?
No because you would have to eat whether you are working or not.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 21 November 2017, 10:25:28 pm
No because you would have to eat whether you are working or not.
my accountant say yes! so i claim them if i use my visa.
in general i do not...hate too much paperwork..pay by cash food!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 21 November 2017, 10:55:00 pm
You can claim a reasonable amount for subsistence if you're working away from home, I suppose because you need to buy extra food that would be more costly than if you were at home. You cannot claim for your everyday food because as Helen says you would be eating it whether you were working or not :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 21 November 2017, 11:06:46 pm
normally in many business you can bring your client to a dinner and claim expense.
So to me is logic that i can claim food too. I claimed M&S shopping in the past and Tesco also. even i am working from home.
then depend which kind of business you run for your accountant.

anyway now i do not anymore...i prefer to pay cash instead to add in my excel boards small amount...it is just too much work...

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 22 November 2017, 03:58:53 am
Lunch and dinner on the days when you work cannot be claimed as expense?

If you're staying in a hotel/travelling, i.e. have to buy your meals, then yes they can. If you're at home or in your working flat, no. It's a bit of a grey area, but it has to be a reasonable business expense.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: londonsabrina on 26 November 2017, 11:09:47 pm
Thanks Mariah, very helpful!

How about a situation where I'm receiving payslips from a part-time job (the pay is quite low so no tax is deducted, but NI contributions are) Is it relevant when I come to do my self-employment tax returns?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Leilaa on 27 November 2017, 10:48:13 pm
Thanks Mariah, very helpful!

How about a situation where I'm receiving payslips from a part-time job (the pay is quite low so no tax is deducted, but NI contributions are) Is it relevant when I come to do my self-employment tax returns?

As far as I know yes.... any income you receive from partime jobs/ rent/ profits is taxable.

IF all this accumulated amounts to higher than 45k then anything above that falls into the higher tax bracket if your s sole trader. If your a Ltd company then u pay less in corporation tax even though the paperwork is a ball ache.

Dont quote me on the above as my tax knowledge could be a bit out of date.


Ps you need to sack your accountant.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Ruby Redhead on 27 November 2017, 11:51:52 pm
Thanks Mariah, very helpful!

How about a situation where I'm receiving payslips from a part-time job (the pay is quite low so no tax is deducted, but NI contributions are) Is it relevant when I come to do my self-employment tax returns?

Yes you will have to declare your employed wage on your self assessment, there is the option for this.

How tax is calculated when you are employed and self employed example:
Employed income (before deductions) = 10,000
Self employed profit = 15,000
Total = 25,000
Minus allowable income (11,500)
Taxable amount = 13,500 this is all your income minus the amount you?re allowed to earn before paying tax (10,000 + 15,000 - 11,500

Tax and NI due
20% tax of 13,500 = 2,700
Minus tax paid through employment (if you paid any)

N.I 12% of income between 8,164 - 45,000 (25,000 - 8,164) 12% = 2,020
Minus N.I paid through employment

This is assuming you haven?t gone over 45,000.

Basically when you submit your self assessment you will claim your self employment and your employment wage and then deduct the tax/NI already paid through your payslip to give you the final amount.

If this is your first year submitting a self assessment it?s good to bear in mind that if your tax bill is over 1,000 you will have to pay 50% on top because they like you to be in credit

Hope this helps and doesn?t confuse you!!
Feel free to PM me
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 30 November 2017, 10:09:53 pm
Hi, I wonder what is clasified as 'consumables' on outgoings? Is it condoms, lubes, etc.? What else?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Ruby Redhead on 30 November 2017, 10:32:46 pm
Anything that you use solely for your business is claimable.
Eg, lubes, wipes, tissue, condoms, toys, etc

And other items that you may use partly for your business (laptop, printer ink etc) you can claim a percentage of. Eg if you use your printer mainly for work but do use it for personal you may chose to only claim 70% of its costs

I recommend searching on here as there is plenty of advice plus there is another webisite devoted to escort accounting ( taxrelief4escorts)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 30 November 2017, 10:41:16 pm
"Consumables" covers anything purely used for business which is used up.
Condoms, lube, makeup, wet wipes, nappy sacks, massage oil, stockings, etc.

Any item you buy which is expected to last more than 2 years is considered an asset of your business.
Your car (if bought or leased by your company), laptop, desktop computer, dildos, high end lingerie (for sole use in bookings), restraints, etc.
Assets need to be considered for depreciation, however realistically the only items most sex workers would have to depreciate would be a property (working flat - which is unlikely to depreciate in the current housing market, unless you had a disaster such as fire or flood) or a vehicle used solely for outcalls and/or travel to touring destinations.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 01 December 2017, 11:15:02 pm
I just bought a working phone for 100. So it's an expense?


Plus, what do you do with advertising? I spent like 500 this month but mostly they were for 3months. So do you take that 100 for 3 months and divide by 3 and put on your expenses every month?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 01 December 2017, 11:31:17 pm
Merged with main thread.

I just bought a working phone for 100. So it's an expense?

Yes it is, provided it's exclusively for work.

Plus, what do you do with advertising? I spent like 500 this month but mostly they were for 3months. So do you take that 100 for 3 months and divide by 3 and put on your expenses every month?

No, you paid out ?500 so the receipt (which is what proves you paid it) will say ?500 with the date you paid it, and that's what goes on the books. If you were paying it monthly, you'd put down whatever the monthly cost was down with the date each time you paid it :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: londonsabrina on 13 December 2017, 02:17:05 pm
No, it's not confusing at all - thank you. It became a lot clearer when I logged into the HMRC site and with my NI number, they had already put in my salary from my employed role. So I only need to add my self-employment and it has been helpful to see how they categorise expenses I can deduct. I also bought the tax relief diary off this forum so I think I'm all set... will tackle it over Christmas.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: themoneyhoneyy on 13 December 2017, 06:22:08 pm

It also includes condoms, lube and anything else you buy solely for work. You could be wearing the condoms on your head to keep your hair clean and provided you're only doing this when working, it's a perfectly legitimate expense.

Just reading up on this old thread and this made me  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 14 December 2017, 08:54:31 pm
 Hello, everyone. I am sometimes using this form to see how much tax I will have to pay https://www.employedandselfemployed.co.uk/self-employed-tax-calculator
Does it show exact?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Ruby Redhead on 15 December 2017, 08:24:05 am
Hello, everyone. I am sometimes using this form to see how much tax I will have to pay https://www.employedandselfemployed.co.uk/self-employed-tax-calculator
Does it show exact?

I?ve just had a play around with some figures on there and I would say it?s very accurate
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 17 December 2017, 10:03:24 pm
Hey, my friend said I shouldn't put my expenses as 13k for like around 46k of income? Is it too much?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 17 December 2017, 10:09:17 pm
Hey, my friend said I shouldn't put my expenses as 13k for like around 46k of income? Is it too much?

If your expenses are genuinely 13k then of course it's not too much, how could it be? As long as you have a record of what you've spent, and you're confident you're only claiming for business use, you'll be fine.

If you're doing self-assessment you only need to declare overall profit anyway, not turnover, not at that level.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 17 December 2017, 10:45:38 pm
If your expenses are genuinely 13k then of course it's not too much, how could it be? As long as you have a record of what you've spent, and you're confident you're only claiming for business use, you'll be fine.

If you're doing self-assessment you only need to declare overall profit anyway, not turnover, not at that level.

What "invoice"/proof you need to have for advertisement expenses?
And other question what to do with aw advertisement? Like I pay 20pm for local escort featuring and like 32x4 or 5 for escort featuring. But this comes from my income there and I do not put money in.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 17 December 2017, 11:16:57 pm
What "invoice"/proof you need to have for advertisement expenses?
And other question what to do with aw advertisement? Like I pay 20pm for local escort featuring and like 32x4 or 5 for escort featuring. But this comes from my income there and I do not put money in.

Any invoice/proof/screenshot that you actually payed for advertising expenses, AW credits etc...
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 18 December 2017, 12:06:54 am
What "invoice"/proof you need to have for advertisement expenses?
And other question what to do with aw advertisement? Like I pay 20pm for local escort featuring and like 32x4 or 5 for escort featuring. But this comes from my income there and I do not put money in.

You'll need the receipt to your email if you paid online, or the physical receipt if you paid in cash.

With AW if I withdraw credits then I declare that as income at the date it hits my bank account, I only count as an expense if I've bought credits. I usually do enough on webcam and gallery/movie sales to not have to load credits.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 25 December 2017, 09:55:16 pm
Can accountant be claimed as expenses? Lol
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 25 December 2017, 09:59:02 pm
You'll need the receipt to your email if you paid online, or the physical receipt if you paid in cash.

With AW if I withdraw credits then I declare that as income at the date it hits my bank account, I only count as an expense if I've bought credits. I usually do enough on webcam and gallery/movie sales to not have to load credits.

Ok, but then it's doomed? Let's say you are saying you are message therapist and then you need to show that you paid for ad for escorting site? Will they check everything, will they say to change your employement information? What else can happen?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 25 December 2017, 10:46:08 pm
Ok, but then it's doomed? Let's say you are saying you are message therapist and then you need to show that you paid for ad for escorting site? Will they check everything, will they say to change your employement information? What else can happen?

Are you filing self assessment, or going through an accountant?

If you're doing it yourself, you just need to keep all your receipts and income records, for use in the unlikely event that you get audited. During self assessment you are simply asked for your overall profit for the year. You are not asked for a breakdown of income and expenditure when filing online.

If you're using an accountant, just give them all the receipts and ask them what they suggest you declare as the nature of your business.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 25 December 2017, 10:51:22 pm
Are you filing self assessment, or going through an accountant?

If you're doing it yourself, you just need to keep all your receipts and income records, for use in the unlikely event that you get audited. During self assessment you are simply asked for your overall profit for the year. You are not asked for a breakdown of income and expenditure when filing online.

If you're using an accountant, just give them all the receipts and ask them what they suggest you declare as the nature of your business.

I do my self assesment myself online and I'm asked for both my overall profit and expenditure.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 25 December 2017, 10:53:50 pm
Do you mean your turnover and expenditure?

I may be mistaken in my memory as I last did mine in April, but either way you're only providing an overall figure, not a breakdown by item or date.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 25 December 2017, 10:56:43 pm
Ok, but then it's doomed? Let's say you are saying you are message therapist and then you need to show that you paid for ad for escorting site? Will they check everything, will they say to change your employement information? What else can happen?

If I were you I would stay on the safe side and stick to" "Therapist" (omit the massage part becasue if you get audited they might ask for a certificate and insurance).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 25 December 2017, 10:59:26 pm
Do you mean your turnover and expenditure?

I may be mistaken in my memory as I last did mine in April, but either way you're only providing an overall figure, not a breakdown by item or date.

That's right you provide an overall figure of your expenditure (defo not a breakdown by item or date SOS!). However... you need to have written proof of all that expenditure because if you get audited you will need to show al your receipts to HMRC.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Cat_BBW on 26 December 2017, 04:24:18 pm
Can accountant be claimed as expenses? Lol

Yes.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 26 December 2017, 05:09:28 pm
Do you mean your turnover and expenditure?

I may be mistaken in my memory as I last did mine in April, but either way you're only providing an overall figure, not a breakdown by item or date.

Correct when someone says they've put through whatever as an expense and it was 'allowed' that only means allowed by the accountant, it doesn't mean allowed by HMRC because HMRC don't see the itemisation UNLESS they run an investigation and ask for a break down.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 27 December 2017, 04:12:26 pm
Hiya girls,

I believe I messed up this year. This time I filed paper returns (instead doing it online), problem is I sent them to HMRC a week ago.

Someone told me that paper returns need to be sent before 31st October.

I can't find info on this.

Anyone can shed any light?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 27 December 2017, 04:13:51 pm
Hiya girls,

I believe I messed up this year. This time I filed paper returns (instead doing it online), problem is I sent them to HMRC a week ago.

Someone told me that paper returns need to be sent before 31st October.

I can't find info on this.

Anyone can shed any light?

That's correct the deadline for paper returns is sometime in September or October, have you looked at the HMRC website?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 27 December 2017, 09:55:32 pm
Yes, you're definitely too late for payments due by January 31.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Ruby Redhead on 28 December 2017, 01:26:04 pm
Hiya girls,

I believe I messed up this year. This time I filed paper returns (instead doing it online), problem is I sent them to HMRC a week ago.

Someone told me that paper returns need to be sent before 31st October.

I can't find info on this.

Anyone can shed any light?

Yes, too late I?m afraid.
Can you not do it online before end of Jan to save your ass? If you can get online and get it done before end of Jan, you?ll be okay :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LouiseLJ on 17 January 2018, 02:35:46 pm
Hello I have been escorting now for around a month and have just sorted out my taxes with HMRC (they are a nightmare to contact) anyway...
How do I go about paying NI, do I receive a letter from HMRC?

Also if I have another job alongside this will I need to put money aside for that tax aswell, or does that just come out with my pay slip as normal? (I am just below the threshold on my other job as I work part-time)

Thank you! xxx <3
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 17 January 2018, 03:00:19 pm
NI used to be paid separately, but now they just calculate it when you do your tax return and it's added to your bill. HMRC's website should have plenty of information but yes, actually contacting them two weeks before the deadline date for returns has been known to be tricky :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Ruby Redhead on 17 January 2018, 09:05:23 pm
Yeah N.I is paid through your self assessment.

When you come to complete your self assessment you will need to also enter your employment income (P60)
You will pay tax on the profit over 11,500, including your employed income.
It?s best to keep a log of what you?re earning self employed and employed so that you can estimate your tax bill
 Because you are also employed, if you do owe tax/NI you have the choice to pay this via your tax code. Meaning they will deduct it from your employment payslip
Or you can just pay it separately :)

Depending on how much you?re earning from escorting / how much profit you will be making, you?ll want to save some back so you don?t get a nasty shock.

It?s also good to note that if you have to pay over 1,000 tax, you then have to pay 50% on top in Jan and another 50% in July as a payment on acccount. Meaning if your bill is 1,000 you will pay 1,500 in Jan and 500 in July
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Trollydolly on 21 February 2018, 04:04:11 pm
Hello lovely ladies

Need a bit of advice please. Wanting to rent a flat of my own (currently living with family)  and most letting agents don?t take people on housing benefit or a guarantor which I have used in the past. They need to see proof of earnings. I also have a really bad credit rating.

So my questions are:

1. I therefore need to register as self employed. What do you girls say it is that you do for work to the tax man?
 I thought about saying beauty therapist but I?m not trained in anything. Should I do a quick course in some kind of beauty that I can ?do from home?

2. How do you register as self employed?

3. So you girls have an accountant and can anyone recommend a good one for escorts please?

4. Has anyone managed to rent privately as self employed?

Thanks in advance for your help  :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 21 February 2018, 04:13:51 pm
Merged.

As for the questions:

1: I am a sex worker, on my tax returns and pretty much everything else.

2: You register as self-employed with HMRC, which you can do by getting paper forms from the tax office, online or via an accountant. Given that you registered here in 2015, I'm slightly surprised you don't know this already? It comes up fairly often, after all.

3: I don't use an accountant, but I used to have one - it's up to you but it's not a requirement. It's very straightforward to do yourself but also easy to be able to pay somebody else to sort it out so you can forget about it bar the record keeping.

4: Yes, lots of people rent - many of them on this board. I'm not one of them, but not many people can afford to buy in places like Central London, for example, and some don't want to and like to move around :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Iloveginandtonic on 21 February 2018, 06:43:40 pm
Hello lovely ladies

Need a bit of advice please. Wanting to rent a flat of my own (currently living with family)  and most letting agents don?t take people on housing benefit or a guarantor which I have used in the past. They need to see proof of earnings. I also have a really bad credit rating.

So my questions are:

1. I therefore need to register as self employed. What do you girls say it is that you do for work to the tax man?
 I thought about saying beauty therapist but I?m not trained in anything. Should I do a quick course in some kind of beauty that I can ?do from home?

2. How do you register as self employed?

3. So you girls have an accountant and can anyone recommend a good one for escorts please?

4. Has anyone managed to rent privately as self employed?

Thanks in advance for your help  :)


If you put Escort or sex worker etc you can put through all your work related expense. Condoms, lube, stockings - Anythinh used exclusively for your business.

If you do not feel comfortable with having that down use something along the lines of massage therapist or complimentary therapist.  You can still claim most things- I just don?t claim condoms, lube or anything sexual in nature. (Although, you probably still could)  I have an accountant and as far as he?s concerned I?m a MAssage therapist.  I don?t feel comfortable discussing what I do so don?t put down or claim  any expenses which incline the sexual nature of my job.

You do not need a specific ?escort friendly? accountant - you need a reputable accountant. Some which are ?Escort friendly? and advertise as being so are more expensive in my experience.

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Trollydolly on 21 February 2018, 10:58:22 pm
Thanks so much for your replies - really helpful xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 21 February 2018, 11:52:12 pm
Can accountant be claimed as expenses? Lol

yes
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 21 February 2018, 11:55:56 pm

If you put Escort or sex worker etc you can put through all your work related expense. Condoms, lube, stockings - Anythinh used exclusively for your business.

If you do not feel comfortable with having that down use something along the lines of massage therapist or complimentary therapist.  You can still claim most things- I just don?t claim condoms, lube or anything sexual in nature. (Although, you probably still could)  I have an accountant and as far as he?s concerned I?m a MAssage therapist.  I don?t feel comfortable discussing what I do so don?t put down or claim  any expenses which incline the sexual nature of my job.

You do not need a specific ?escort friendly? accountant - you need a reputable accountant. Some which are ?Escort friendly? and advertise as being so are more expensive in my experience.

it doesn't matter what you are registered as, claim all your business related expenditure and if you ever get audited just tell HMRC that you were being discreet. They don't care as long as all of your expenses are related to your business.

You can do it all yourself in about 40 mins. I highly recommend that all escorts understand what their accountants are up to as "my accountant said it was okay" is unlikely to be a defence to HMRC if you are investigated. Also, anyone can call themselves an accountant, so be careful.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 22 February 2018, 08:27:51 am
it doesn't matter what you are registered as, claim all your business related expenditure and if you ever get audited just tell HMRC that you were being discreet. They don't care as long as all of your expenses are related to your business.

You can do it all yourself in about 40 mins. I highly recommend that all escorts understand what their accountants are up to as "my accountant said it was okay" is unlikely to be a defence to HMRC if you are investigated. Also, anyone can call themselves an accountant, so be careful.

Yes this is the advice I've seen posted here, and yes you ultimately have responsibility for your tax return. Just because you put an expense in doesn't mean it's OK.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: felicitytw on 19 June 2018, 02:16:41 pm
Hi,
Obviously this is a very profitable buisness and I am making fairly decent living on it. Question is- who pays an accountant for doing their books, who does it themselves? Any Accountant recommendations that are not adverse to our sort of work? Am thinking just doing it myself- as have been for last year. But is there any advantages for hiring an accountant? TIA X
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 19 June 2018, 03:00:49 pm
I use an accountant I do quite a bit of the work myself, then pass it on for checking and submission. I like just being able to hand it over!

The accountant was a friend of close friend who had also used their services for their non-sex related work. Arranged a meeting and got started simple as that.

A professional accountant should not be averse to anyone's occupation, provided it's not illegal and they aren't being asked to commit fraud/money launder etc.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 19 June 2018, 03:28:58 pm
Merged again :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 19 June 2018, 05:48:24 pm
you can probably do it yourself in less than an hour. i recommend viewing HMRC's videos on self assessment and reading the tax relief for escorts site.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: chocoholicgirl on 27 June 2018, 08:54:25 pm
Apologies if this has been answered, I just bought a new (newer, not new sadly lol) car and was wondering if / how it might be tax deductible? I do occasional outcalls but mostly it would be claiming for when I drive to incall locations and tours.

I already claim for petrol for those times so would it be a matter of sensibly working out what percentage of my use is work, so eg if half my miles are for work and half social I could claim for half the cost of the car? It seems really confusing when you take into account depreciation  etc as well.

Do any of you claim for the cost & costs associated with a vehicle & if so how do you work it please? I had quite an old car that was cheap before so never really bothered but now I have forked out a wedge of cock sucking cash  ;D I'd like to claim for what I can!

 :D :D :D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 27 June 2018, 09:10:25 pm
Apologies if this has been answered, I just bought a new (newer, not new sadly lol) car and was wondering if / how it might be tax deductible? I do occasional outcalls but mostly it would be claiming for when I drive to incall locations and tours.

I already claim for petrol for those times so would it be a matter of sensibly working out what percentage of my use is work, so eg if half my miles are for work and half social I could claim for half the cost of the car? It seems really confusing when you take into account depreciation  etc as well.

Do any of you claim for the cost & costs associated with a vehicle & if so how do you work it please? I had quite an old car that was cheap before so never really bothered but now I have forked out a wedge of cock sucking cash  ;D I'd like to claim for what I can!

 :D :D :D

Milage allowances usually include all costs, the other way is to work out proportions of use. Which ever way you do it I've been told to stick to it for the lifetime of the vehicle. There's more than likely guidance on the HMRC website or to be obtained from an accountant.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: chocoholicgirl on 27 June 2018, 09:28:06 pm
Thanks Mirror, yes you can claim simplified expenses for vehicles I found the page here if it helps anyone else

https://www.gov.uk/simpler-income-tax-simplified-expenses/vehicles-

I'll definitely do it this way from now on, much easier!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MissVix on 22 July 2018, 02:55:31 am
This is my first post to 'hello' first and foremost. I have been working for just 2 months and am in this for the long haul now. :)

Secondly, can I get some advice on keeping records for tax purposes?

1) Should I be unlucky enough to get audited, I'm pretty sure the taxman will want to see how my income breaks down but 95% of my clients don't provide their name so what do I do? Make up names - 'Bob? Use descriptions - 'short bald ex-army guy'? Or service provided - 'oral, missionary'?

All I have been doing (for my own records, nothing more) is a combination of all of the above (but mainly using descriptions) on a weekly basis, also logging how much each client paid.  Eg:

Week commencing: 4th June
Bob - £120
Smelly guy - £100
Nervous guy - £150
Decorator - £150
BJ in kitchen - £100



2) I have no qualms in telling the taxman what I do but for future employment reasons I would prefer to be more vague - business consultant, life coach, therapist. This is because I plan on putting the years of running a profitable Ltd company to good use post-escorting by claiming it's experience in whatever job I'm applying for. (or course it has to be in a field I have experience or know I can do). So how do you advise I log my income/customers, if required for tax records? I'm pretty sure I can't log 'BJ in kitchen' if the taxman thinks I'm a life coach lol.


3) The problem with listing myself as a 'respectable' business, such as management consultant, is that I won't be able to claim for expenses - makeup, lingerie, clothes, toys, beauty treatments etc - so any advice here?


Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 22 July 2018, 09:06:51 am
1) Should I be unlucky enough to get audited, I'm pretty sure the taxman will want to see how my income breaks down but 95% of my clients don't provide their name so what do I do? Make up names - 'Bob? Use descriptions - 'short bald ex-army guy'? Or service provided - 'oral, missionary'?

All I have been doing (for my own records, nothing more) is a combination of all of the above (but mainly using descriptions) on a weekly basis, also logging how much each client paid.  Eg:

Week commencing: 4th June
Bob - £120
Smelly guy - £100
Nervous guy - £150
Decorator - £150
BJ in kitchen - £100


Merged - as you'll see from the lengthy and repetitive posts in the rest of the thread, your expenses are the costs you incurred wholly and completely in the course of running your business and these are what you claim for. There is no list of 'allowed' and 'not allowed' provided that this applies, regardless of what your business is.

As you've said, HMRC needs to know your income - they're not interested in your customers any more than they want to know to whom a pub sold every pint to on Friday evening. What you earned is what's important so something like ' Friday: 2x 1 hour £240, 1 x half hr £80 = £320' is more than enough (literally more; the only part they need is the '£320' and even doing it daily is a level of detail that's of more use to you than anybody else :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MissVix on 22 July 2018, 11:18:22 pm
Thank you.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 22 July 2018, 11:27:14 pm
on 2) are you actually a Ltd company or a sole trader? I'd suggest staying as a sole trader for ease. No point in making things more complicated.

on everything else, what amy said
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: PissedOffPrincess on 03 October 2018, 02:41:21 pm
I was told something that I find hard to believe.

If you have two self employed jobs in the UK you automatically get a higher rate of tax taken off you regardless of how much you earn.

Seems absurd anyone know for sure.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 03 October 2018, 03:43:05 pm
I was told something that I find hard to believe.

If you have two self employed jobs in the UK you automatically get a higher rate of tax taken off you regardless of how much you earn.

Seems absurd anyone know for sure.

It's not something my accountant's ever mentioned to me.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: PissedOffPrincess on 03 October 2018, 04:30:54 pm
It's not something my accountant's ever mentioned to me.

The person who told me has two self employed jobs he is not a professional but says his accountant told him.
Sounds wrong to me.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 03 October 2018, 05:02:03 pm
The person who told me has two self employed jobs he is not a professional but says his accountant told him.
Sounds wrong to me.

And me I have income from two businesses, it's all into the same 'pot'.

However when a person takes a second employment with an employer, you tend to end up with the tax free allowance on one job, second job taxed on every penny earned.

Sounds like someone getting mixed up with this.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: PissedOffPrincess on 03 October 2018, 05:43:35 pm
And me I have income from two businesses, it's all into the same 'pot'.

However when a person takes a second employment with an employer, you tend to end up with the tax free allowance on one job, second job taxed on every penny earned.

Sounds like someone getting mixed up with this.

That could be where he has gone wrong.
If I run into him again I will ask has he also got a job from an employer.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 03 October 2018, 06:29:00 pm
That could be where he has gone wrong.
If I run into him again I will ask has he also got a job from an employer.

Yep happened to me when I left school and got a weekday job alongside Sunday job. The tax allowance went on the weekday job, Sunday job was taxed from first penny. All gets sorted end of year, except mine didn't and I ended up with reduced tax allowance the following year. :'(
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 04 October 2018, 10:06:55 pm
I need to know asap info about how to start doing pension??? Retirement fund??
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 05 October 2018, 10:40:31 am
I need to know asap info about how to start doing pention??? Retirement fund??

Have a look on moneysavingexpert website, they publish all the current best value pension plans.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 05 October 2018, 10:59:01 am
Can't believe I spelt it pention :D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: V24 on 05 October 2018, 11:10:45 am


1) Should I be unlucky enough to get audited, I'm pretty sure the taxman will want to see how my income breaks down but 95% of my clients don't provide their name so what do I do? Make up names - 'Bob? Use descriptions - 'short bald ex-army guy'? Or service provided - 'oral, missionary'?

All I have been doing (for my own records, nothing more) is a combination of all of the above (but mainly using descriptions) on a weekly basis, also logging how much each client paid.  Eg:

Week commencing: 4th June
Bob - £120
Smelly guy - £100
Nervous guy - £150
Decorator - £150
BJ in kitchen - £100




If you do get audited/investigated they will expect to see a breakdown of 'jobs'.  No names necessary but time of booking and length as you would in a diary.  They would expect you to keep a diary of bookings and are entitled to see that if necessary.  Just putting a lump sum each day or week would lead them to ask for more records.  I keep a diary, and I even keep in the no shows or cancelled bookings and just put a line through them.  The more you show you are keeping records the less they will delve.


3) The problem with listing myself as a 'respectable' business, such as management consultant, is that I won't be able to claim for expenses - makeup, lingerie, clothes, toys, beauty treatments etc - so any advice here?


It doesn't matter what you say you do you can claim anything you buy for work as if they investigate you would have to fess up what you do anyway and it isn't an issue.  However, be careful claiming makeup, clothes and beauty treatments unless you can prove none of those are used in your personal life or that you would get no benefit from it personally.


Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 01 November 2018, 10:30:22 am
Hello. I am thinking of changing accountant next tax year. As my friend also has sw friendly accountant which is 300 pounds cheaper a year. I need to save money.

When I should do this transaction? I need my old accountant to do my current year tax papers? Or can it be done by new accountant? How to not lose money doing this transaction? Do I change it April? May?


Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 01 November 2018, 07:03:31 pm
Hello. I am thinking of changing accountant next tax year. As my friend also has sw friendly accountant which is 300 pounds cheaper a year. I need to save money.

When I should do this transaction? I need my old accountant to do my current year tax papers? Or can it be done by new accountant? How to not lose money doing this transaction? Do I change it April? May?

I'd get your next filing sorted, then change.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 01 November 2018, 07:05:30 pm
When I should do this transaction? I need my old accountant to do my current year tax papers? Or can it be done by new accountant? How to not lose money doing this transaction? Do I change it April? May?

Since it's only a couple of months before they'll be finishing off your accounts and sending your return in (they may well have already done it and just be sitting on it until busy-time in January when thousands are turning up; my accountant used to) I'd be inclined to just let it go for this year and switch accountants after that. Your current one must send you some kind of renewal letter every year - if that isn't due for a while I'd just cancel at the start of February and get the new one sorted then.

There's nothing to stop you doing it now though? If you don't have any contract that obliges you to pay the current one for this years work and you can be bothered with the hassle then you may as well :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 01 November 2018, 10:07:42 pm
Also I already had this year accounts sorted couple of months ago. but I was thinking about year 2018/2019, so I shall leave it for my next accountant this?
Really not sure about contracts...
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Seamstress on 02 November 2018, 10:26:32 am
Really not sure about contracts...

There's nothing to stop you doing it now though? If you don't have any contract that obliges you to pay the current one for this years work and you can be bothered with the hassle then you may as well :)

Try and dig up whatever paperwork you signed at the outset or at renewal. As with most similar things there will probably be a notice period and with some accountants this can be up to three months (so they have time to finish any work or bring it up to date) although as Amy says it may also be the other end and you have very little in the way of obligations to them (and vice versa!)

It should also set out what should happen in the event of cancellation i.e. whether they provide you with drafts, reports or records completed up to the end point. In that sense it's usually easier to finish once the current submission is done (I'm cancelling mine now, as mine goes in along with my business accounts at the end of November) rather than halfway through and trying to do a handover from one accountant to another (especially if the new accountant doesn't find the information provided by the previous accountant particularly helpful and has to figure it all out from first principles anyway)

It's a good point to note when seeking out a new professional as well - always make sure you have something clear in writing before parting with any pennies and make sure you're comfortable with and understand what you're signing up to.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: pompidu on 02 November 2018, 01:36:47 pm
Hello so i read i few posts here and it looks like it shouldn't be a problem to do my accounts by myself.

By anyway i am from abroad and not really familiar with all of it. And i would like to register like self-employed counsellor and i am thinking to do it not only from now, but from begging {or from which date will be possible}

So probably for the registration and first year would hire someone - kind of to explain me everything, i am very good student and quick learner and friend with excel too.

Any recommendation i am based in Birmingham?
Thanks

And if I got it right fair price should be around 200£ - 300£.

Thanks for any recommendation: naughty.rose.aw@gmail.com 
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Seamstress on 02 November 2018, 01:57:19 pm
In Scotland there's a (pretty amazing) initiative called Business Gateway that runs free workshops on all aspects of running your own business including accounting, bookkeeping, marketing, social media and much more, as well as the possibility of one to one support. I would imagine there must be similar equivalents in other parts of the UK? Local authorities / job centres might know if there are, or job centres might offer similar training / support / courses for getting started?

(Worth noting that they are actual 'workshops' and a bit interactive so worth thinking through your cover story for worked examples etc if you don't want to declare sex work or have to come up with something on the spot!)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: pompidu on 02 November 2018, 04:01:04 pm
In Scotland there's a (pretty amazing) initiative called Business Gateway that runs free workshops on all aspects of running your own business including accounting, bookkeeping, marketing, social media and much more, as well as the possibility of one to one support. I would imagine there must be similar equivalents in other parts of the UK? Local authorities / job centres might know if there are, or job centres might offer similar training / support / courses for getting started?

(Worth noting that they are actual 'workshops' and a bit interactive so worth thinking through your cover story for worked examples etc if you don't want to declare sex work or have to come up with something on the spot!)

Thanks definitely will check that option too.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 02 November 2018, 08:52:30 pm
HMRC run webinars and have tons of info on their youtube channel too
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 06 March 2019, 08:13:11 am
Hi! so happy changed my accountant! for better! less expensive! just perfect!
 ;D saving little money ( not so little ) btw is easy to change it...you just put them in contact each others.
i did in advance as they are going to be busy in the peak time.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: GG on 06 March 2019, 09:13:31 am
I parted ways with my old accountant so I am looking for a new one in the Manchester area if anyone has any recommendations x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Shaunashaun on 04 April 2019, 08:28:12 am
On the subject of tax.  I live 25 miles from where I work ( I don't want to work in my home town for ID reasons) I rent a flat to work from and claim it as an expense in my tax calculations. 
My question is am I allowed to claim the mileage I use to drive to my place of work as if it was an outcall?
Thanks x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 04 April 2019, 08:56:08 am
My understanding is no, daily commutes cannot be claimed - however any outcall mileage and if you go on tour can be.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: V24 on 04 April 2019, 03:40:09 pm
On the subject of tax.  I live 25 miles from where I work ( I don't want to work in my home town for ID reasons) I rent a flat to work from and claim it as an expense in my tax calculations. 
My question is am I allowed to claim the mileage I use to drive to my place of work as if it was an outcall?
Thanks x

No you can't.  You can charge for outcall travel and any other work related travel just not the getting to your regular place of work.  I bank my money every week and I actually put through the mileage to the bank and bank, adds up over a year.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: DiscreetLady on 05 April 2019, 11:46:56 am
soon im going back to full time escorting and i think i should start paying taxes. This will be my first time and i know nothing about it or just the basics, neither do i know if we are required legally to pay taxes for this kind of work as im not sure if it is regulated in the uk. My questions come after seeing many posts from girls here seeking advice about accountants so i thought i should look into it too, or most of us don't pay taxes?

**do you tell your accountant what you do or something else? and if something else then what do you say something like makeup artist, beauty services...?
**i understand that we have to prove our cost of doing business to hmrc as well as our profits but how?? i dont provide invoices to customers and i get paid by cash, like most of you i guess. So impossible to prove my earnings.
**should i declare honestly what i earn or less, and why? what's the benefit and cons of either way?
**what can be included in cost of running the business? rent and bills (if working from home), hotel stays and transport to get there (if touring), food consumed during working days, cost of material such as condoms, lube, tissues, clothes, lingerie, etc...
**will I get a pension in the future if I contribute regardless of what kind of work, even if this is the only work I have done?
**what figure do we register as company, sole trader, self-employed...?

i really have no idea how it works but hope you guys can point me in the right direction, and even more, should i pay taxes or not? and why? benefits and cons?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 05 April 2019, 12:39:54 pm
Paying taxes isn't optional - there's no 'should' or 'shouldn't' about it and given the amount of time you've been posting here I'm guessing you've already taken far more out of the system than you've ever put in. Tax evasion is an offence - nobody gets to choose any more than we choose whether or not to shoplift or steal peoples' wallets.

Eighteen pages of information above to be getting on with :).

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 05 April 2019, 12:43:03 pm
soon im going back to full time escorting and i think i should start paying taxes. This will be my first time and i know nothing about it or just the basics, neither do i know if we are required legally to pay taxes for this kind of work as im not sure if it is regulated in the uk. My questions come after seeing many posts from girls here seeking advice about accountants so i thought i should look into it too, or most of us don't pay taxes?

**do you tell your accountant what you do or something else? and if something else then what do you say something like makeup artist, beauty services...?
**i understand that we have to prove our cost of doing business to hmrc as well as our profits but how?? i dont provide invoices to customers and i get paid by cash, like most of you i guess. So impossible to prove my earnings.
**should i declare honestly what i earn or less, and why? what's the benefit and cons of either way?
**what can be included in cost of running the business? rent and bills (if working from home), hotel stays and transport to get there (if touring), food consumed during working days, cost of material such as condoms, lube, tissues, clothes, lingerie, etc...
**will I get a pension in the future if I contribute regardless of what kind of work, even if this is the only work I have done?
**what figure do we register as company, sole trader, self-employed...?

i really have no idea how it works but hope you guys can point me in the right direction, and even more, should i pay taxes or not? and why? benefits and cons?

All income is taxable we are obliged to declare income from sex work.

My accountant knows the exact nature of my work, I use Escort as the description. I keep a record of income in a diary which corresponds to my bank statements. Most expenses are paid from a credit card, or bank and I keep a note of any which are paid using cash.

Your state pension depends on your National Insurance contributions, you can request a pension check through the .gov. uk website.

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 05 April 2019, 03:02:36 pm
soon im going back to full time escorting and i think i should start paying taxes. This will be my first time and i know nothing about it or just the basics, neither do i know if we are required legally to pay taxes for this kind of work as im not sure if it is regulated in the uk. My questions come after seeing many posts from girls here seeking advice about accountants so i thought i should look into it too, or most of us don't pay taxes?

i really have no idea how it works but hope you guys can point me in the right direction, and even more, should i pay taxes or not? and why? benefits and cons?

My mind is completely boggled by this - why on earth would you think you wouldn't need to pay income tax??  ???
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: DiscreetLady on 05 April 2019, 04:22:27 pm
My mind is completely boggled by this - why on earth would you think you wouldn't need to pay income tax??  ???

i dont know how it works for escorts here or whether it is regulated but i am glad it is possible to pay tax for it. I'm actually very preocuppied about the future and wanna start paying taxes asap, will delve deeper into it once i get back to work.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 06 April 2019, 11:34:29 am
i dont know how it works for escorts here or whether it is regulated but i am glad it is possible to pay tax for it. I'm actually very preocuppied about the future and wanna start paying taxes asap, will delve deeper into it once i get back to work.

it's fully criminalised in the USA but it's still taxable...
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 06 April 2019, 11:38:14 am
it's fully criminalised in the USA but it's still taxable...

As I understand it even illegal activities are taxable in the UK, brothels are often served with a tax bill if they haven't been paying.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: DiscreetLady on 06 April 2019, 11:55:44 am
How to prove the income without invoices as it’s all paid by cash?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: English Green on 06 April 2019, 12:19:01 pm
How to prove the income without invoices as it’s all paid by cash?

You do not need to prove it if a business is paid by cash how can it be proved? Just put down what you take and keep all expenses
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LotusFlower on 06 April 2019, 11:53:36 pm
Paying taxes isn't optional - there's no 'should' or 'shouldn't' about it and given the amount of time you've been posting here I'm guessing you've already taken far more out of the system than you've ever put in. Tax evasion is an offence - nobody gets to choose any more than we choose whether or not to shoplift or steal peoples' wallets.

Eighteen pages of information above to be getting on with :).

+1

It really gets on my nerves when I hear of people not paying their taxes, sex work or no sex work, but even more with sex work given how much we can earn.

You think I want to declare and pay tax on what I earn? No. My tax bill for this year is nearly 15k. But do I want to face jail time over tax fraud? I'd rather pay the 15k.

I use the NHS, my kid goes to school, my dentist's bill is considerably lower than what it would be in a country that doesn't have a system like ours - what makes me so special to think I shouldn't contribute to the system I use? I'm not, and neither is anyone else.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 07 April 2019, 08:37:18 am
+1

It really gets on my nerves when I hear of people not paying their taxes, sex work or no sex work, but even more with sex work given how much we can earn.

You think I want to declare and pay tax on what I earn? No. My tax bill for this year is nearly 15k. But do I want to face jail time over tax fraud? I'd rather pay the 15k.

I use the NHS, my kid goes to school, my dentist's bill is considerably lower than what it would be in a country that doesn't have a system like ours - what makes me so special to think I shouldn't contribute to the system I use? I'm not, and neither is anyone else.

Some punters have told me during bookings that they wouldn't declare anything if they were a sex worker ::)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: EvelynWho on 07 April 2019, 11:39:27 am
Some punters have told me during bookings that they wouldn't declare anything if they were a sex worker ::)

Every client who’s asked has loudly laughed when I tell them of course I pay tax. Whatever do they think we are, haha xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LotusFlower on 07 April 2019, 03:57:18 pm
My own accountant told me to declare a loss. No wonder our country is up shit creek.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 10 April 2019, 09:58:51 pm
Some punters have told me during bookings that they wouldn't declare anything if they were a sex worker ::)

of course, and couldn't have cash in their banks :D
I sometimes wonder what do people think you can pay in cash for? You can for some things but for majority of things you can't and some punters can't get that in their head :|
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Youngenglishcoraxx on 15 May 2019, 10:32:02 pm
This is quite a long post so sorry in advance, I have been escorting for just over a year and have always just kept my money for myself but I have always felt guilty going to the bank to put money in and also I’m  finding as I’m just keeping cash I’m not really saving any money and I want to buy a car which will also be difficult with just a handful of cash LOL, I want to maintain good credit so I was wondering how you actually even go about going self-employed, also what to write as I never ever want anybody to know that I’m escorting, and lastly how  is it worth having an accountant and what do they do LOL sorry I just basically need to know everything
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 15 May 2019, 10:45:59 pm
Merged - the thread is very long, but there is a lot of information here even if it does get repetitive.

Your first port of call should be the HMRC website where you can register for self assessment; it's very straightforward and any questions you have about doing so are almost certainly covered somewhere here. Depending on when you started you may not even be late, and if you started a year ago (May 2018) then your tax return isn't due until January 2020, so you're definitely not :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 15 May 2019, 11:57:32 pm
This is quite a long post so sorry in advance, I have been escorting for just over a year and have always just kept my money for myself but I have always felt guilty going to the bank to put money in and also I’m  finding as I’m just keeping cash I’m not really saving any money and I want to buy a car which will also be difficult with just a handful of cash LOL, I want to maintain good credit so I was wondering how you actually even go about going self-employed, also what to write as I never ever want anybody to know that I’m escorting, and lastly how  is it worth having an accountant and what do they do LOL sorry I just basically need to know everything

I'd advise getting an accountant just to make sure you start off right. They'll register you and explain what you need to log, how far back to go etc. etc.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LotusFlower on 16 May 2019, 12:30:37 am
This is quite a long post so sorry in advance, I have been escorting for just over a year and have always just kept my money for myself but I have always felt guilty going to the bank to put money in and also I’m  finding as I’m just keeping cash I’m not really saving any money and I want to buy a car which will also be difficult with just a handful of cash LOL, I want to maintain good credit so I was wondering how you actually even go about going self-employed, also what to write as I never ever want anybody to know that I’m escorting, and lastly how  is it worth having an accountant and what do they do LOL sorry I just basically need to know everything

One thing to be aware of, and start saving now, is that HMRC requireand additional 50% of your annual tax bill as an advanve payment on the following year - so for example, if your 18/19 bill (which is tje actual year you have to record and declare once you enroll for self assessment) is £20,000; you will have to pay £30,000 in total with the larhest payment in Jan 2020 and a smaller payment in July 2020. I didnt know this when I first became self employed and recording my own income - almost passed out when my accountant sent me the bill!

Of course, if your earnings for 19/20 (the tax year we are currenrly on) are lower than 18/19, then you can get a rebate; bit tje problem is, we never really know how much our final figure will be until the year ends!

I would certainly recommend getting an aaccountant. I am quite savvy myself, but foe the sake of £500 a year, my accountant is worth it. Even just so I don't have the headache doing this stuff. It sounds like you would benefit from habing tje support, even if it is just to get you up and running.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LotusFlower on 16 May 2019, 12:31:50 am
So many typos - silly phone  :FF
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Lucylovesit on 18 May 2019, 02:33:46 pm
Hi ladies,

I’m just wondering does anyone have a spreadsheet they could send me. I am getting myself in such a pickle lol.

I have an accountant whom I found on tax relief from escorts, but I do all my own books until I send it off to him at the end of the year.

I have tried to make a spreadsheet on excel and numbers but I’m just making a mess of it. I can’t for the life of me remember the macros etc

If anyone could help me out that would be great.

Thank you xxx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 18 May 2019, 03:23:14 pm
Hi ladies,

I’m just wondering does anyone have a spreadsheet they could send me. I am getting myself in such a pickle lol.

I have an accountant whom I found on tax relief from escorts, but I do all my own books until I send it off to him at the end of the year.

I have tried to make a spreadsheet on excel and numbers but I’m just making a mess of it. I can’t for the life of me remember the macros etc

If anyone could help me out that would be great.

Thank you xxx

Does your accountant not supply you with one?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Lucylovesit on 18 May 2019, 04:38:03 pm
No he hasn’t. I did ask him if he had 1 and he said not too worry just send what I’ve got. But I’m a little anal when it comes to organising. I also like to know where I am xxx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LotusFlower on 18 May 2019, 09:11:16 pm
No he hasn’t. I did ask him if he had 1 and he said not too worry just send what I’ve got. But I’m a little anal when it comes to organising. I also like to know where I am xxx

This is very surprising. So what exactly do you pay the accountant for? Simply filling out the SA form at the end of the tax year?!

My accountant set me up with an app - it's called 1 tap tax; and it's very, very useful. I was always a spreadsheet woman until I used this app; take photos of your receipts and the app places them in the correct date and area of expense, then you don't need to keep a hard copy. It also keeps the running total of your tax bill so you can see clearly how much you will be due to pay.

You can actually download this app yourself at a cost. I don't pay for it as my accountant pays for it and connects his own software to the app so he can log on to my app when the tax year is over and export the information.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Lucylovesit on 19 May 2019, 11:38:46 am
This is very surprising. So what exactly do you pay the accountant for? Simply filling out the SA form at the end of the tax year?!

My accountant set me up with an app - it's called 1 tap tax; and it's very, very useful. I was always a spreadsheet woman until I used this app; take photos of your receipts and the app places them in the correct date and area of expense, then you don't need to keep a hard copy. It also keeps the running total of your tax bill so you can see clearly how much you will be due to pay.

You can actually download this app yourself at a cost. I don't pay for it as my accountant pays for it and connects his own software to the app so he can log on to my app when the tax year is over and export the information.

Wow thank you for that.

This is the first time I’ve worked with an accountant so I probably don’t know what to ask. I have sent them an email to see if they have anything I can use. But I’ll definitely look into the app you mentioned

Xxx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Lucylovesit on 19 May 2019, 06:40:55 pm
Veggiegal thank you so much!!!!

I’ve downloaded the app and my accounts are now up to date. So simple to use and easy to follow.

You’ve just relieved me from so much stress, I can’t thank you enough

Xxx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LotusFlower on 19 May 2019, 11:52:49 pm
Veggiegal thank you so much!!!!

I’ve downloaded the app and my accounts are now up to date. So simple to use and easy to follow.

You’ve just relieved me from so much stress, I can’t thank you enough

Xxx

You are most welcome! I am never one for unnecessary technology but even I can see the value in this app. I got caught up with a full year's accounts in just a day by using this, whereas, I would have been days, if not weeks, using a spreadsheet method - assuming the spreadsheet had all the correct formulae in the cells to calculate everything correctly and had I not made a mess of it somewhere!

I would certainly recommend this app to anyone, even those who are very comfortable using spreadsheets.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: seraphine on 13 June 2019, 05:41:45 pm
How do you look for an accountant? Should it be a 'chartered accountant'?
Do you just google someone 'near me'? Or look for someone outside of London (with cheaper rates, hopefully)?
What is the going rate for submitting a tax return?
Sorry for daft questions but I think I made a massive mistake by being tied up to someone who actually only caused me a loss.  :FF
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 13 June 2019, 07:54:27 pm
I paid £324 to mine based in Ashton under Lyne.

I think that's still a lot but I have quite a bit invested etc and another business including this one  :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 13 June 2019, 08:02:45 pm
How do you look for an accountant? Should it be a 'chartered accountant'?
Do you just google someone 'near me'? Or look for someone outside of London (with cheaper rates, hopefully)?
What is the going rate for submitting a tax return?
Sorry for daft questions but I think I made a massive mistake by being tied up to someone who actually only caused me a loss.  :FF

I use one based in Marylebone, found via the Tax Relief for Escorts website. They're not cheap, but very professional and reliable. I pay 68pcm but that's for two sets of returns.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: seraphine on 14 June 2019, 12:39:28 am
Thank you, Gypsy and Kay!

I read all 20 pages of this fun stuff. Informative!
I definitely will be looking for someone else. Chartered. 'Better Call Saul' of accounting. :D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 14 June 2019, 08:10:16 am
Thank you, Gypsy and Kay!

I read all 20 pages of this fun stuff. Informative!
I definitely will be looking for someone else. Chartered. 'Better Call Saul' of accounting. :D

I have no idea what the difference is between chartered and not but I picked my accountant as he markets himself as friendly and approachable  :) I've never met the men but he's very nice to talk to over the phone.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: seraphine on 14 June 2019, 01:24:23 pm
I have no idea what the difference is between chartered and not but I picked my accountant as he markets himself as friendly and approachable  :) I've never met the men but he's very nice to talk to over the phone.
Sounds nice.
Do you sign any contract before authorising the accountant for HMRC? Do they have to tell you what they charge before the authorisation?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 14 June 2019, 02:08:55 pm
Sounds nice.
Do you sign any contract before authorising the accountant for HMRC? Do they have to tell you what they charge before the authorisation?

I think from memory they will tell you a rough idea of the charges but I don't remember signing any contracts. Mine knows exactly what I do and classifies me as an entertainer.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: seraphine on 14 June 2019, 02:13:12 pm
Thank you, Gypsy! x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: aefentid on 26 June 2019, 09:14:16 pm
Hello – I hope I'm okay to post a new tax-related question here?

Has anyone ever had a problem claiming expenses under their pseudonym, rather than their real sole trader name? I'm registered with HMRC under my real name obvs (i do some civvy freelancing too) but have a separate phone, uber account etc for SW, which I've registered under my pseudonym for privacy reasons.

Though the payments for the phone, ubers etc go through my regular debit card (in my real name), the receipts come through addressed to my pseudonym. Has anyone ever had an issue with this?

I do intend to get an accountant ASAP when I've made a bit more money, but for now wondered whether anyone might have any experience of this themselves.

Thanks in advance! x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Ruby Redhead on 27 June 2019, 11:13:16 am
Hello – I hope I'm okay to post a new tax-related question here?

Has anyone ever had a problem claiming expenses under their pseudonym, rather than their real sole trader name? I'm registered with HMRC under my real name obvs (i do some civvy freelancing too) but have a separate phone, uber account etc for SW, which I've registered under my pseudonym for privacy reasons.

Though the payments for the phone, ubers etc go through my regular debit card (in my real name), the receipts come through addressed to my pseudonym. Has anyone ever had an issue with this?

I do intend to get an accountant ASAP when I've made a bit more money, but for now wondered whether anyone might have any experience of this themselves.

Thanks in advance! x

No this is absolutely fine. As long as you can prove you paid for something (eg. Coming out your bank) it doesn’t matter what name it is.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: saltysweet on 27 June 2019, 11:39:55 am
How do you look for an accountant? Should it be a 'chartered accountant'?
Do you just google someone 'near me'? Or look for someone outside of London (with cheaper rates, hopefully)?
What is the going rate for submitting a tax return?
Sorry for daft questions but I think I made a massive mistake by being tied up to someone who actually only caused me a loss.  :FF

Nit picking me....did he cause you a loss? or suggested you claim a loss?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 27 June 2019, 12:49:33 pm
Declaring a loss usually means no tax to pay.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 27 June 2019, 06:07:51 pm
I use one based in Marylebone, found via the Tax Relief for Escorts website. They're not cheap, but very professional and reliable. I pay 68pcm but that's for two sets of returns.


was my past this one! bloody expensive! yes professional of course for what you are paying!
my new one is more professional and more cheaper!
i wasted my money for 3years for this, never never never again! just to calculate £68 for 12months!  :o :o :o :o
it was my big mistake ever!

sometimes cheaper doesn t mean not professional or not good!
of course this is my opinion now! nothing wrong with Kay`s choice! each person is different! so Kay i hope that you do not mind my comment!  :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: seraphine on 28 June 2019, 12:44:54 pm
.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 28 June 2019, 12:55:45 pm
No, I have to pay a penalty because of him.

Why did he submit late?

Unfortunately even if you use an accountant, we are still responsible for submitting - ie it's our fault if it doesn't go in on time or there's an error.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: seraphine on 28 June 2019, 01:54:59 pm
.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: saltysweet on 28 June 2019, 06:04:22 pm
I'd expect him to learn that the first morning of accountant school before the tea break ???
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 28 June 2019, 11:31:39 pm
I'd expect him to learn that the first morning of accountant school before the tea break ???

Assuming  the client gets their info to the accountant in good time, some don't but I'm assuming 80s S allowed plenty of time and got everything to the one she was using with enough notice for the job to be done and return submitted.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Delores on 29 June 2019, 12:05:21 am
Oh thank you for your replies  :D

I've just read somewhere else that u only pay tax on your 'profit', so to speak: say u book a room for a client for 80pound, put 20 pound of fuel in your car to get there & the client paid you 250pounds for the booking. You only pay tax on the 150pounds of 'profit'. I didn't know that, but makes sense now, if you're hoing to claim back the cost of the room & the petrol.

Kay - thats the site I used to contact an accountant but will mail the Scottish Highlands one. If it works for you, surely it has to work for me also! I get my condoms free anyway but I dud used to buy them. I'll have to remember to keep my receipts forthe lube & whatever else I buy from now on.

Rosa - good point. I dunno, its just the society we live in, I suppose. I'd rather not risk it just incase I do get someone completely old fashioned & judgemental. That woukd be my luck  ;)

Amy - Just been talking to my bf about it too. He suggested Citizens Advice about finding an accountant & help getting this sorted out. I would personally prefer speaking to someone face to face but I will mail the accountant Kay usrd/uses.

Having read other threads where others say they just put 'escort', I feel reassured about that. Another site said if u were ever to be investigated they'll need to see your website. If I put 'masseuse', how would I explain that? I would rather put masseuse, but all 'what ifs' I have going round in my head don't feel worth it. Do they need to see your website once you have registered?

I'll have to check the 'confirmation' emails haven't been deleted. I think I may still have a petrol receipt from a tour I've just finished.

Back to the 'masseuse' bit. If I say this, what will I have to deliberately avoid showing? I just know I'll slip up somewhere  ;)

Thanks again girls, I really appreciate it xxx

I believe, that instead of claim the petrol cost back, there is a HMRC approved mileage allowance you can claim with just a description of the journey and distance of something like 45 or 47 pence per mile. This covers the fuel but also helps with the insurance and wear and tear on your car. HMRC may ask for proof that you made the journey, but the hotel room bookings when touring would satisfy this.

Delores
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LotusFlower on 29 June 2019, 09:26:01 am
^^ this is the way to do it.

Although I just put in a figure for the full year, which is probably asking for trouble, but my accountant hasnt advised me otherwise.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: EvelynWho on 04 July 2019, 05:51:33 pm
When filing your own self assessment. Do you include your own name as the business name or do you include your ‘working name’ or something else? Thanks
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: saltysweet on 04 July 2019, 06:48:19 pm
I have my own name with address etc and a separate name I chose for my business.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Grace D on 10 July 2019, 09:00:38 am
Hi everyone, do you treat phone sex and webcam as different businesses to escorting when filling out your tax return or can you lump them under the same form?  Thanks!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: VoluptuousCurves on 11 July 2019, 04:32:25 pm
No it's all income to your business so can be counted as overall turnover.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Grace D on 11 July 2019, 05:38:14 pm
Cheers VC
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: aefentid on 14 July 2019, 08:16:11 pm
No this is absolutely fine. As long as you can prove you paid for something (eg. Coming out your bank) it doesn’t matter what name it is.

late response but thanks RR! x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: FetishLady on 17 July 2019, 09:59:38 pm
Do self employed mobile massage therapist or beauty therapists need insurance by law? In Ireland
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 06 August 2019, 01:19:42 pm
Just wanted to announce and to brag perhaps  ;D that I'm very happy because after 3.5 years of working as escort I finally started contributing to my retirement fund and feel so happy about it.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Braziliana on 06 August 2019, 02:57:30 pm
Just wanted to announce and to brag perhaps...
Congrats!  ;D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: saltysweet on 06 August 2019, 06:51:41 pm
Just wanted to announce and to brag perhaps  ;D that I'm very happy because after 3.5 years of working as escort I finally started contributing to my retirement fund and feel so happy about it.

Wow! Pink Champagne all round!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Grace D on 06 August 2019, 11:48:43 pm
Just wanted to announce and to brag perhaps  ;D that I'm very happy because after 3.5 years of working as escort I finally started contributing to my retirement fund and feel so happy about it.

That brilliant Neutral, go you! :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 08 August 2019, 04:19:34 pm
Thank you!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 08 August 2019, 06:48:56 pm
How do you save for a pension when self employed?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 08 August 2019, 10:52:00 pm
How do you save for a pension when self employed?

Easiest thing to do is set up a private pension, pay into it monthly?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: neutralC on 13 August 2019, 09:34:02 pm
Easiest thing to do is set up a private pension, pay into it monthly?

Yep. I did it with NEST
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 14 August 2019, 08:34:02 am
How do you save for a pension when self employed?

Set up a government run stakeholder or whatever they are called these days, I started mine when I was in a workplace which didn't offer a pension. I have transferred over a very small occupational pension from previous employer, then carried on when I became self - employed.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 14 August 2019, 10:36:24 am
Set up a government run stakeholder or whatever they are called these days, I started mine when I was in a workplace which didn't offer a pension. I have transferred over a very small occupational pension from previous employer, then carried on when I became self - employed.

That's what I did too. Mine goes out every month by standing order and I don't even notice it :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 14 August 2019, 10:38:05 am
It confusing also heard you can lose the pension if it’s invested.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 17 August 2019, 11:24:16 pm
It confusing also heard you can lose the pension if it’s invested.

it's incredibly rare to lose an entire pension. The government has funds that pay out in case of fraud. NEST which is mentioned above is government backed and has had very good returns so far.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Larabella on 23 August 2019, 09:31:02 am
So I went to meet a man today from a directory that I am going to advertise on. We got on the point of tax and I kind of am worried as I’m not sure if my accountant is giving me the correct advice.

I am self employed as an alternative therapist and deposit my earnings in my personal savings account. I have been keeping a diary of the clients I have, how much I earn, as well as a spread sheet of my in-goings and out goings.

I had asked my accountant if I would need a business account if I was depositing up to £4000 per month and he had told me it is not necessary. The guy I met today seemed shocked that I didn’t have a business account? He said something about I do not have a legitimate business and no invoices from my clients so it is riskier for me. I was told a written diary of my clients is sufficient enough. I am guessing he meant to make a “fake” business for the business account and get someone to send me fake invoices. I’m really confused because if I did that my expenses would not match up??

Anyway what I am asking is it necessary to have a business account and is a diary sufficient? It is obvious I won’t have invoices from each booking I have, to say I have seen the person...
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 23 August 2019, 09:42:35 am
Merged.

There's a reason your accountant is an accountant and the other bloke is peddling prossie ads ::).

Leaving aside what your tax affairs have to do with the nosey bastard, you categorically do not need a business account. You can have one, and banks will try to convince you otherwise but you don't need one - I've never had one in seventeen years :)

In future I'd suggest a polite smile/nod and a 'well that's very interesting and I'll take that on board' or preferably a 'that's really none of your busines, is it?' before changing the subject.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Student Joy on 27 August 2019, 04:49:56 am
Hello Ladies, Can you please help me find:

1. Any genuine accountants out there for escorts?
When I google search, it gives me the details of Michael & Millie, who haven't responded to my email/contact form.

2. When you're dealing with HMRC, can you give yourself a work title that doesn't give away that you're an in Adult entertainment industry? For example, can you instead say that you are a "Research Assistant", "Project Assistant", or something discreet like that?

All your advice & suggestions will be greatly appreciated :)


Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 27 August 2019, 08:02:14 am
Merged, since this has all been answered many times over and mostly in this thread :)

Why do you think you need a special type of accountant for a simple sole trader operation based on appointment fees? If you think about it, have you ever seen accountants advertising that they can only take on hairdressers?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 27 August 2019, 08:26:56 am
Hello Ladies, Can you please help me find:

1. Any genuine accountants out there for escorts?
When I google search, it gives me the details of Michael & Millie, who haven't responded to my email/contact form.

2. When you're dealing with HMRC, can you give yourself a work title that doesn't give away that you're an in Adult entertainment industry? For example, can you instead say that you are a "Research Assistant", "Project Assistant", or something discreet like that?

All your advice & suggestions will be greatly appreciated :)

You can say whatever you like and employ any accountant, a specialist isn't required but they need to know what your trade is.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Student Joy on 27 August 2019, 05:13:08 pm
Just to be clear, you're saying the ACCOUNTANT needs to know that I am an Escort.
But the HMRC need not know that?

Any nice accountants that you recommend?

Thank you :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 27 August 2019, 11:21:18 pm
Just to be clear, you're saying the ACCOUNTANT needs to know that I am an Escort.
But the HMRC need not know that?

Any nice accountants that you recommend?

Thank you :)

Yes, your accountant needs to know but HMRC don't. My accountant knows exactly what I do, but puts entertainer on my tax stuff.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SexySxxx on 06 September 2019, 11:57:03 am
Hi
I’m trying to register as self employed on the hmrc website. Is it me or is it virtually impossible to understand how to do this???
How do actually register? It shows me steps on how to get started, what to call my business name, sending in tax returns etc but now how to REGISTER!!
Getting so frustrated, trying to do the right thing but don’t know how  :FF

Can anyone help please?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 06 September 2019, 01:03:51 pm
It's so long since I did it I can't remember the details  :-\ but if you're really stuck I'd call the helpline. It isn't a crazy busy time of year so you shouldn't have to wait too long and they're very helpful with everything (they've heard it all before, just like us :)).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SexySxxx on 06 September 2019, 07:30:59 pm
Thanks Amy. Been on phone waiting for an hour...think I’ll leave it for now.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: LotusFlower on 06 September 2019, 09:34:26 pm
Hi
I’m trying to register as self employed on the hmrc website. Is it me or is it virtually impossible to understand how to do this???
How do actually register? It shows me steps on how to get started, what to call my business name, sending in tax returns etc but now how to REGISTER!!
Getting so frustrated, trying to do the right thing but don’t know how  :FF

Can anyone help please?

Yes, I had the same issue when I tried to register. Then worse issues when I tried to do my first tax return. I ended up getting frustrated, depsite the nunerous calls to the helpdesk. I ended up getting a penalty for over £1000 for filing late.

I now use an accountant. Moral of the story - deal with this now or get an accountant , because they will nail you if you register or file late!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: JasminePetite on 08 October 2019, 05:40:43 pm
If you do get audited/investigated they will expect to see a breakdown of 'jobs'.  No names necessary but time of booking and length as you would in a diary.  They would expect you to keep a diary of bookings and are entitled to see that if necessary.  Just putting a lump sum each day or week would lead them to ask for more records.  I keep a diary, and I even keep in the no shows or cancelled bookings and just put a line through them.  The more you show you are keeping records the less they will delve.

It doesn't matter what you say you do you can claim anything you buy for work as if they investigate you would have to fess up what you do anyway and it isn't an issue.  However, be careful claiming makeup, clothes and beauty treatments unless you can prove none of those are used in your personal life or that you would get no benefit from it personally.

I put "30 minute incall" "1 hour outcall" with the price and date next to it...not sure if that is enough info though
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Honeyxx on 29 October 2019, 07:35:10 am
.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 29 October 2019, 08:18:06 am
Ive just started getting paranoid about if i ever got audited and they see my expenses for incall premises which are hotels, wouldn’t they end up going into that as isn’t it illegal to work from a hotel ?
Even as a ‘therapist’ or ‘entertainer’ ? With entertainer wouldn’t they ask ask further questions about why I use a hotel for this ‘entertainment’ And ask for specifics ?
Or is it ok and I have nothing to worry about?
Thanks

Are you in the UK, if so it is not illegal to work from a hotel. A hotel may have terms and conditions asking guests not to run a business from their rooms, however that's a private civil matter. I have actually used a business in a hotel room.

Also HMRC are not bothered where the income comes from, they simply want the due tax.

As far as I understand you can use whatever business title, you would just explain the nature of the business if audited. I use a popular name for prostitute on my tax return, it's not 'Brass'  ;D
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: DiscreetLady on 29 October 2019, 09:11:17 am
Ive just started getting paranoid about if i ever got audited and they see my expenses for incall premises which are hotels, wouldn’t they end up going into that as isn’t it illegal to work from a hotel ?
Even as a ‘therapist’ or ‘entertainer’ ? With entertainer wouldn’t they ask ask further questions about why I use a hotel for this ‘entertainment’ And ask for specifics ?
Or is it ok and I have nothing to worry about?
Thanks

You can say you stayed in these hotels as a holiday
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 29 October 2019, 09:47:54 am
You can say you stayed in these hotels as a holiday

How is that a work expense? ???
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: English Green on 29 October 2019, 10:02:08 am
You can say you stayed in these hotels as a holiday

No no no. If you put hotels down as expenses like i do you would just explain whatever you are down as the hotels are used for the business e.g when i tour and stay in hotels.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: English Green on 29 October 2019, 10:02:49 am
How is that a work expense? ???

Hahahahahaha
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 29 October 2019, 12:16:16 pm
You can say you stayed in these hotels as a holiday

That would be lying, and thus a really stupid idea. As said, prostitution is not illegal so long as you're one woman working alone, be it from your home, a hotel or an apartment. 'Accommodation', whether rent or hotel bill, is a legitimate business expense.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: English Green on 29 October 2019, 03:45:17 pm
That would be lying, and thus a really stupid idea. As said, prostitution is not illegal so long as you're one woman working alone, be it from your home, a hotel or an apartment. 'Accommodation', whether rent or hotel bill, is a legitimate business expense.

She can say to them if ever audited they were all for holidays but then you are admitting fraud by trying to claim there for work expenses and getting that previously taken off a tax bill.  Discreet girl you might need a chat with an acvountant a thorough chat so you know how to do all this properly as you might find yourself in some situations further down the line. Best to know what you are doing then get HMRC on your back.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: April Showers on 30 October 2019, 07:39:37 am
Also you do realise if you are ever audited YOU have to speak to the tax person yourself and they will ask you about how you conduct your work then ask you questions ( this is when no matter what you call yourself you have to tell the truth and run through how you take bookings etc show paperwork bank accounts etc ) they don't care if you use hotel rooms/rent flat   so long as you show  (have) the right receipts for them and your earnings that day and they all tally they just want you to pay the right amount of tax not more and certainly not less :)  ,

They wont change your title on your tax return  after either . As ever honesty is the best policy unless you are a Politician  of course :)

So in a nutshell you can call your self anything but  if questioned you tell them your a escort and make sure it is all escort related expenses put through in your books .


Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: barbiegirl on 01 November 2019, 11:06:11 pm
Why do you think you need a special type of accountant for a simple sole trader operation based on appointment fees? If you think about it, have you ever seen accountants advertising that they can only take on hairdressers?

This is true Amy, you don’t need an ‘escort friendly’ accountant. My accountant deals with everything and knows what I do, he’s nothing but professional. I give him all the information he needs and I just get a tax bill in the post :) A good accountant will not care what you do.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 18 December 2019, 11:43:45 am
Hi, to those of you who pay tax have you got HMRC's invoice yet?

I owe nearly 4K by the end of January and I swear I've usually got my invoice by now. It better have not got lost in the post! I'm holding out anyway cos they're a nightmare to ring up  >:(
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Lushblossom on 18 December 2019, 12:28:11 pm
They are running a questions and answers service online at the moment (HMRC) did you look into that at all?

I needed it to fill my annual declaration not sure if any help to you?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 18 December 2019, 12:50:23 pm
They are running a questions and answers service online at the moment (HMRC) did you look into that at all?

I needed it to fill my annual declaration not sure if any help to you?

My accountant does all the work with HMRC so I don't have to talk to them  :) I've not been on their website for years.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 18 December 2019, 02:33:05 pm
My accountant does all the work with HMRC so I don't have to talk to them  :) I've not been on their website for years.
Might be a good idea to check your account every so often, even if an accountant is handling the submissions you are still responsible and one day you might need to actually get in there.

I have a look at my balance and keep my direct debit amounts up to date, as well as checking payments have been received.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 18 December 2019, 03:18:01 pm
Hi, to those of you who pay tax have you got HMRC's invoice yet?

I owe nearly 4K by the end of January and I swear I've usually got my invoice by now. It better have not got lost in the post! I'm holding out anyway cos they're a nightmare to ring up  >:(

Yes, I got mine last week.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 18 December 2019, 03:24:22 pm
Hi, to those of you who pay tax have you got HMRC's invoice yet?

I owe nearly 4K by the end of January and I swear I've usually got my invoice by now. It better have not got lost in the post! I'm holding out anyway cos they're a nightmare to ring up  >:(

I don't usually receive mine until well into January, not sure if that is because they are sent in batches or because I don't usually submit until into January.

Might be an idea to get a log in so you can take a look without having to phone.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 22 December 2019, 08:10:39 pm
Yes, I got mine last week.

I phoned my accountant in the end. Turns out they hadn't submitted it  ::) ::) ::) They have now though so that's a relief.

I honestly thought HMRC had made an error somewhere. Wouldn't be the first time either  ::)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 26 December 2019, 06:37:48 pm
Can you claim for hotel costs? How do you claim travelling costs? Thanks
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 26 December 2019, 07:16:01 pm
Can you claim for hotel costs? How do you claim travelling costs? Thanks

Anything that is a dedicated work expense you can claim for, so if you book the hotel purely to work from, yes. Trains, buses and taxis you can obviously keep the tickets/receipts, but for petrol/cars I would ask your accountant or check the HMRC website.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 27 December 2019, 11:18:34 am
Thanks what about beauty costs? If I wasn’t taking this job I wouldn’t get my nails done, vagina waxed, Botox lips and back massage (get pain sometimes) and lash extensions. It adds up.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 27 December 2019, 12:03:13 pm
Thanks what about beauty costs? If I wasn’t taking this job I wouldn’t get my nails done, vagina waxed, Botox lips and back massage (get pain sometimes) and Runcorn lash extensions. It adds up.

Some people do include these however it's only if and when queried that you'd be asked to itemise and justify. The advice I've received is that the type of items you've listed are personal, personal benefit, and not justifiable.

On days off I sometimes don't shave my legs but I don't claim for razors.....I also have my teeth scaled and polished more often than I might in another job, my back and leg pain are due to how I sit and move not sex. In fact lying helps it as does standing.

It really has to be direct.

I was once asked to buy a matt foundation for a photoshoot, this was over and above my usual make up so I popped it in. As a rule make up isn't in because I don't have a separate bag for work, I do have separate lingerie, stockings, toys, outcall bag, bedding so that is all in.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: GG on 27 December 2019, 02:29:55 pm
From what I have been told if you are doing cam work (ie model work) you can claim beauty items. It might be worth a try but keep a separate personal makeup bag and keep the reciepts for your personal items to if queried you can prove you are buying separate x
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: V24 on 28 December 2019, 07:25:48 am
From what I have been told if you are doing cam work (ie model work) you can claim beauty items. It might be worth a try but keep a separate personal makeup bag and keep the reciepts for your personal items to if queried you can prove you are buying separate x

Beauty stuff is a very grey area.  Even if you kept it separate, HMRC would ask something like, so you had a booking and put makeup on and before you left you took that makeup off and put other makeup on.  They will dig and dig and generally the onus is on you to prove otherwise not on them.  To be honest it's not worth the risk as once they find one thing they can then go back 20 years, although they generally only go back 5/6 years.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 29 January 2020, 06:34:06 am
hi, need just to know what you say about your cam income that you get by bank?
or you get it by post and so you can declare as whole in your annual tax?

i can say that i am modelling part time or consultation therapist online or teacher?
ahah hope somebody can help me before noon!

thank you
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: saltysweet on 29 January 2020, 12:15:55 pm
Just done my tax yesterday, bring out the trumpets! ;D . The HMRC form doesn't ask any massive detail about the job description, how it's performed or how you're paid. Don't know if I answered your question?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 29 January 2020, 12:21:46 pm
hi, need just to know what you say about your cam income that you get by bank?
or you get it by post and so you can declare as whole in your annual tax?

i can say that i am modelling part time or consultation therapist online or teacher?
ahah hope somebody can help me before noon!

thank you

You can say whatever you like, as far as I know.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 30 January 2020, 07:35:06 am
You can say whatever you like, as far as I know.

thank you so much
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Pear on 27 April 2020, 01:42:35 am
OK after much procrastination I've read this whole thread. I'm about to register as self employed and delve into all this fun for myself, but there's a few things I'm still uncertain about. I will be seeking an accountant in due course but if anyone can shed any light on their experience:

1) I'm going to open a bank account that I use for work, where clients can pay money in and I can pay for items I'll be expensing. My first question is, if I pay cash into my personal bank account and transfer it to my designated 'work' account, will I also need to keep all the records of my personal bank account for audits too? I've been recommended some online banks to use, but can't see that being beneficial if I still have to mingle my personal one in with inevitable cash deposits. I'd rather it all just be focused on one account.

2) I sometimes receive money from clients as legitimate 'gifts', i.e. to buy some particular lingerie where they don't have giftcards and have it sent to my home, or to pay for a museum membership (and I had to of course sign up myself with my real name). If HMRC saw these transfers would they expect me to be reporting them as earnings? I guess it's quite unusual in most industries for most people to receive money transfers as gifts, and the same client has also sent transfers as payments for actual bookings. He's just one example but I'm sure more will crop up, and would rather look into other ways of receiving gifts (i.e. strictly gift cards/material items) if they're going to get me into trouble

As I'm now doing onlyfans too, and the money from that is currently being deposited in my personal bank account (it has to be a Visa account) I'm really trying to organise this in my head so that I know the most streamlined and correct way to manage it all. THANK YOU for all the contributions so far, it has been a great help  :-*
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 27 April 2020, 01:36:16 pm
I think re. 1, it doesn't matter what you do with your earnings in terms of bank accounts so long as you declare them.

2 raises an interesting point - are they really 'gifts' if they're cash donations from a business client? Would be interesting to see what HMRC thinks about that.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: V24 on 28 April 2020, 07:48:03 am
OK after much procrastination I've read this whole thread. I'm about to register as self employed and delve into all this fun for myself, but there's a few things I'm still uncertain about. I will be seeking an accountant in due course but if anyone can shed any light on their experience:

1) I'm going to open a bank account that I use for work, where clients can pay money in and I can pay for items I'll be expensing. My first question is, if I pay cash into my personal bank account and transfer it to my designated 'work' account, will I also need to keep all the records of my personal bank account for audits too? I've been recommended some online banks to use, but can't see that being beneficial if I still have to mingle my personal one in with inevitable cash deposits. I'd rather it all just be focused on one account.

2) I sometimes receive money from clients as legitimate 'gifts', i.e. to buy some particular lingerie where they don't have giftcards and have it sent to my home, or to pay for a museum membership (and I had to of course sign up myself with my real name). If HMRC saw these transfers would they expect me to be reporting them as earnings? I guess it's quite unusual in most industries for most people to receive money transfers as gifts, and the same client has also sent transfers as payments for actual bookings. He's just one example but I'm sure more will crop up, and would rather look into other ways of receiving gifts (i.e. strictly gift cards/material items) if they're going to get me into trouble

As I'm now doing onlyfans too, and the money from that is currently being deposited in my personal bank account (it has to be a Visa account) I'm really trying to organise this in my head so that I know the most streamlined and correct way to manage it all. THANK YOU for all the contributions so far, it has been a great help  :-*

In answer to your first question, you would be better of putting any earnings into your 'business' account and then transferring to your personal account, like a wage.   If you are audited and anomalies are found then HMRC can request all records of all accounts including credit card statements.  If you have a cash payment in that you class as a gift they will ask who it's from and then they will have to prove where they got the cash from, if you can't get them involved then it will be classed as income.

With question 2 if the client is transferring you money to buy something for work then you can declare that as income and off set the receipt for the gift as long as it is for work only.  If it's just for a gift for you then it's better they buy the gift rather than transfer cash as that will be classed as income.  Gifts themselves are a grey area and unless it's a large gift, car/mansion, then HMRC probably wouldn't be interested. 

Hope that helps :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Pear on 28 April 2020, 01:54:25 pm
Thank you V24! So having an online account for business is useless as suspected as most of my bookings I am paid in cash - you're definitely right that earnings should be deposited into that and paid to myself rather than the other way around. I know someone who does it that way as they have online only business banking, but I wanted things to be crystal clear for my own peace of mind.

I think for sure once this is all sorted I will have to request only gift cards/material gifts. The less mess I get myself caught up in the better  :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 28 April 2020, 04:31:37 pm
In answer to your first question, you would be better of putting any earnings into your 'business' account and then transferring to your personal account, like a wage.

This is what I do - it's a lot easier to keep all the work stuff together and I can't see any reason to make things more complicated (and I used to do it all from one personal account; it was a royal pain in the arse trying to remember which bill/expense was which) :).

Thank you V24! So having an online account for business is useless as suspected as most of my bookings I am paid in cash - you're definitely right that earnings should be deposited into that and paid to myself rather than the other way around.

It might not be useless if you can deposit cash into it at the Post Office? At least some of the online banks have this, so it's worth checking.

As for cash gifts, HMRC will just assume you're trying to get around the rules - what would be stopping you from saying that every cash payment from a punter was a 'gift'? I'd stick to the goods or definitely go for gift cards.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: intergalactickitten on 26 August 2020, 05:56:32 pm
Hello everyone, hope everyone is well!
So I've decided to try and restart my escorting career (part-time on top of a regular job) and I've just spoken to Abbingdon Knight in London. They are pretty pricey! Nearly  £800 a year (plus £500 deposit) !! I've read some great things about them on this thread but it just feels like way too much...
I've seen somebody mention on here a Scottish escort-friendly accountant - could somebody message me his details please?
If you know any decent accountants around London (who are professional and not judgemental), would you be willing to privately message me their contact details?

Many thanks in advance everyone,

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 27 August 2020, 11:04:45 am
Hello everyone, hope everyone is well!
So I've decided to try and restart my escorting career (part-time on top of a regular job) and I've just spoken to Abbingdon Knight in London. They are pretty pricey! Nearly  £800 a year (plus £500 deposit) !! I've read some great things about them on this thread but it just feels like way too much...

It's a bit of a "robbery" honestly, another business profiteering from sex workers thinking they are swimming in money. The average yearly price for an accountant in England is 300 to 600 a year no deposit bollocks.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 27 August 2020, 11:17:54 am
Hello everyone, hope everyone is well!
So I've decided to try and restart my escorting career (part-time on top of a regular job) and I've just spoken to Abbingdon Knight in London. They are pretty pricey! Nearly  £800 a year (plus £500 deposit) !! I've read some great things about them on this thread but it just feels like way too much...
I've seen somebody mention on here a Scottish escort-friendly accountant - could somebody message me his details please?
If you know any decent accountants around London (who are professional and not judgemental), would you be willing to privately message me their contact details?

Many thanks in advance everyone,

is there any particular reason you need an accountant? If you have straightforward accounts, you should be able to do it yourself in a couple of hours.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: intergalactickitten on 27 August 2020, 11:40:09 am
is there any particular reason you need an accountant? If you have straightforward accounts, you should be able to do it yourself in a couple of hours.

I need an accountant because long-story-short,  I have a day job in which I will continue to work as a freelancer (not a cash-based business) and then I will need to somehow combine it with my (part-time) escorting. I want to do it all properly this time.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 27 August 2020, 11:54:17 am
I use a straightforward accountant I just like the reassurance, I do have a couple of businesses but started with just the sex work. Pay a few hundred each year.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: intergalactickitten on 27 August 2020, 12:37:50 pm
It's a bit of a "robbery" honestly, another business profiteering from sex workers thinking they are swimming in money. The average yearly price for an accountant in England is 300 to 600 a year no deposit bollocks.

I fully agree! I've never heard of any accountant charge a deposit - wtf honestly...
Especially during these times - how can you expect anybody to shell out 500 pounds that you may or may not one day get back in three years time....
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 27 August 2020, 01:52:48 pm
I'm with AK, but I have two businesses, hence the fees are a bit higher.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 28 August 2020, 11:39:58 am
I need an accountant because long-story-short,  I have a day job in which I will continue to work as a freelancer (not a cash-based business) and then I will need to somehow combine it with my (part-time) escorting. I want to do it all properly this time.

is your other job paye or self assessment? both are easy enough to do. I have paye income and escorting income and do my books myself.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Sassy_Sara on 13 October 2020, 10:00:48 pm
Hey everyone I need advice on how to set up as self Employed it looks really complicated! I also need an accountant. I am based in Brighton East Sussex. If anyone can give me some advice I would really appreciate it. Thanks sara
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 16 October 2020, 03:27:39 pm
Hey everyone I need advice on how to set up as self Employed it looks really complicated! I also need an accountant. I am based in Brighton East Sussex. If anyone can give me some advice I would really appreciate it. Thanks sara

the gov.uk site and the HMRC youtube channel has all the info you should need. Otherwise, SWARM run monthly workshops and the details are always posted on SAAFE
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: candidrose on 12 November 2020, 11:24:39 pm
Hello! i really would like to register as self-employed. The corona virus has a massive impact as escorting was my only form of income.

I have read advice online but i do not want to register myself as an 'escort' so does anyone have any advice on what i can offically register myself as in order to still be able to claim certain expenses such as hotel rooms/apartments, condoms, toys, outfits ETC

Thanks!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 12 November 2020, 11:33:13 pm
And merged again :)

As ever (and it's been posted many times in this thread), you can claim whatever business expenses you incur provided they were wholly and completely for the purposes of running your business (that is, with no personal benefit at all). Obviously registering as a fish and chip shop wouldn't make a lot of sense, but we have various people here registered as models, entertainers, dancers and so on - back when I had an accountant, his regular suggestion was therapist. In other words, anything that's so vague it's open to pretty much whatever interpretation suits the situation.

Again, it doesn't matter what you buy - HMRC are interested in how much you've earned/spent. An example would be that if I was an artist who decided to use condoms to put over my paintbrushes and keep them clean, I would absolutely be claiming that as an expense.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: candidrose on 13 November 2020, 01:14:01 am
some examples of what i am considering registering myself as: 'Model' or 'Adult Entertainer' 'Live Performer'

would i still be able to claim for hotel bookings/apartment bookings under any of these?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 13 November 2020, 01:32:06 pm
I'll try that again.

you can claim whatever business expenses you incur provided they were wholly and completely for the purposes of running your business (that is, with no personal benefit at all).

Again, it doesn't matter what you buy - HMRC are interested in how much you've earned/spent. An example would be that if I was an artist who decided to use condoms to put over my paintbrushes and keep them clean, I would absolutely be claiming that as an expense.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: candidrose on 14 November 2020, 01:19:52 am
Okay i have another question...

I currently rent an apartment with a private lanlord with my friend from uni (for personal use only)

i was just wondering if i took a second tenancy out for a studio/one bed apartment that i could work from; could i claim the rent as an expense? or should i stick to hotels/ aparthotels?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Cat_BBW on 14 November 2020, 02:35:45 am
Okay i have another question...

I currently rent an apartment with a private lanlord with my friend from uni (for personal use only)

i was just wondering if i took a second tenancy out for a studio/one bed apartment that i could work from; could i claim the rent as an expense? or should i stick to hotels/ aparthotels?

I refer you back to my learned friend Amy...  ;D

But the short answer is YES. Yes, you can.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 14 November 2020, 03:55:43 pm
Okay i have another question...

I currently rent an apartment with a private lanlord with my friend from uni (for personal use only)

i was just wondering if i took a second tenancy out for a studio/one bed apartment that i could work from; could i claim the rent as an expense? or should i stick to hotels/ aparthotels?

You can claim anything that is a legitimate business expense. So if you rent a flat specifically to work from, buy furniture for that flat etc., it's claimable. Ditto make-up and clothing that you wouldn't wear in your civvy life, your whore phone tariff etc. etc.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Emilia_D on 10 December 2020, 09:33:32 pm
Hi guys,
I had a paid job alongside escorting for a few months. I paid national insurance contributions but no tax as I was within my limit.
How do include this on a tax return? Is there a special place where I can note my name mplpyed income?
Sorry, I have never submitted one before and I am just trying to be prepared.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 19 December 2020, 02:20:39 am
Hi guys,
I had a paid job alongside escorting for a few months. I paid national insurance contributions but no tax as I was within my limit.
How do include this on a tax return? Is there a special place where I can note my name mplpyed income?
Sorry, I have never submitted one before and I am just trying to be prepared.

Yes, it will ask you if you'd also had employed income and then ask for the figures from your P60 that your employer will sent out to you after the end of the tax year
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 10 March 2021, 05:44:34 am
Does anyone know about the tax that come off I'd it taken off the full amount or the amount minus expenses?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 10 March 2021, 06:00:36 am
For example if I earned 45 a year (were tax gets a lot higher) could in earn 45 thousand and then my expenses be 10000. So I earn 55 thousand but because of expense only get tax 20%?  I've recently started full text m escorting instead of every now and then for extra money. I don't think I'd earn anything near that but trying to get my head around it.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 10 March 2021, 06:04:28 am
Hi how can you prove expense on accomodation? I mean adult work ones not always legit so his can you proof paying to stay a week for work?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: V24 on 10 March 2021, 06:26:35 am
Does anyone know about the tax that come off I'd it taken off the full amount or the amount minus expenses?

You are taxed on any income left after deducting expenses and taxable allowance hun.  So if you earn say £40,000 and your expenses are £10,000, your profit is £30,000, then minus taxable allowance which is £12,500 I believe at present and then you will pay tax on what's left - £17,500.  You would also pay Class 2 and 4 National Insurance.  There is a handy calculator online that works it all out for you.

With regards to accommodation.  Obviously you can claim for that but obviously easier if booking hotels as you get a receipt.  Some 'adult' renters will give you a receipt as they may operate a business.  If they don't give a receipt then you can either not declare it yourself, obviously I'm not saying do that.  Or you can write a receipt yourself and if you are ever audited then explain why you don't have a genuine receipt. 

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 10 March 2021, 07:59:58 am
Thanks think I'll get an account I'm not good with maths etc
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 10 March 2021, 08:14:46 am
For example if I earned 45 a year (were tax gets a lot higher) could in earn 45 thousand and then my expenses be 10000. So I earn 55 thousand but because of expense only get tax 20%?  I've recently started full text m escorting instead of every now and then for extra money. I don't think I'd earn anything near that but trying to get my head around it.

Turnover (total income amount received) - expenses then - personal allowance = taxable income.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 12 March 2021, 10:26:06 am
Just wanted to know if I register tax as a nail technician but some days I'm earning 250+ will this not look very suspicious. Because I don't know many beauticians that make so much. I want to get a mortgage in a few years so do it all right.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: BethElizabeth on 12 March 2021, 10:54:37 am
Just wanted to know if I register tax as a nail technician but some days I'm earning 250+ will this not look very suspicious. Because I don't know many beauticians that make so much. I want to get a mortgage in a few years so do it all right.

HMRC don't care what you put down as your job title, just as long as you pay the correct tax for what you earn. So I don't think they would question it at all.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 12 March 2021, 01:20:13 pm
HMRC don't care what you put down as your job title, just as long as you pay the correct tax for what you earn. So I don't think they would question it at all.

Not so. If you're a "nail tecnician" but your spending deductibles are condoms, hotels and fuel it might raise an airbrow and you can get called to clarify this. I would try to choose something more "accordingly" like maybe outcall massage therapist?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 12 March 2021, 01:23:06 pm
I think I'm going to out beauty therapist because I'm qualified in that and it covers a lot of areas
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: V24 on 12 March 2021, 02:56:03 pm
Not so. If you're a "nail tecnician" but your spending deductibles are condoms, hotels and fuel it might raise an airbrow and you can get called to clarify this. I would try to choose something more "accordingly" like maybe outcall massage therapist?

The only time HMRC will see the actual breakdown of what your expenses are is if they choose you for a random audit and you have to detail it all with receipts etc.  They do not check tax returns in any detail when submitted.  At the point of an audit you would then fess up to what you actually do, but as long as expenses are for items used for your actual job they won't care what you have put down as your job.   

They would only see at first sight turnover less expenses, which are grouped under headings, like utilities, goods etc not individual items like condoms etc.  Expenses for hotels etc would come under accommodation, so that could be a shop or anything, they would only know the ins and outs if they audited you and as I said that is the point you would fess up anyway.

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 12 March 2021, 03:58:40 pm
The only time HMRC will see the actual breakdown of what your expenses are is if they choose you for a random audit and you have to detail it all with receipts etc.  They do not check tax returns in any detail when submitted.  At the point of an audit you would then fess up to what you actually do, but as long as expenses are for items used for your actual job they won't care what you have put down as your job.   

They would only see at first sight turnover less expenses, which are grouped under headings, like utilities, goods etc not individual items like condoms etc.  Expenses for hotels etc would come under accommodation, so that could be a shop or anything, they would only know the ins and outs if they audited you and as I said that is the point you would fess up anyway.

Every time I do my taxes I have to fill in the boxes where I get asked what my deductible expenses are and details on how they were spent as in travel, rent, admin, phones etc.. etc... On top of that I keep my receits just in case they call me and have to proof it. I do my taxes online.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: V24 on 13 March 2021, 07:00:18 am
Every time I do my taxes I have to fill in the boxes where I get asked what my deductible expenses are and details on how they were spent as in travel, rent, admin, phones etc.. etc... On top of that I keep my receits just in case they call me and have to proof it. I do my taxes online.

Yes I did say expenses will be 'grouped' So Rent would be under one expense whether it be hotel, flat rental etc.  Condoms would come under 'Goods bought'  so would be under all other things bought.  Most things aren't individualised.  But yes of course you have to keep your receipts.

If in any doubt whatsoever of how to do Tax Returns it is best to consult an Accountant or the HMRC themselves.  I know many people that put things through as expenses that wouldn't be allowed and all very well and good until they get audited then the shit would hit the fan and they would have to pay that back over the years they have put it though.

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 17 April 2021, 10:05:57 pm
Every time I do my taxes I have to fill in the boxes where I get asked what my deductible expenses are and details on how they were spent as in travel, rent, admin, phones etc.. etc... On top of that I keep my receits just in case they call me and have to proof it. I do my taxes online.

unless your turnover is over £85k you don't have to split up your expenses like that. it even says so on the form
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Sammy13 on 05 May 2021, 06:26:33 pm
As I don’t drive would I be able to claim taxis/bus fares/train fares for when I’m touring? As I wouldn’t get receipts for taxis and bus would I just keep a note of what I spent?
Also does anyone know if when I’m touring I can claim for all food I eat throughout the day?
Thank you
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Caledonia on 05 May 2021, 06:48:52 pm
As I don’t drive would I be able to claim taxis/bus fares/train fares for when I’m touring? As I wouldn’t get receipts for taxis and bus would I just keep a note of what I spent?
Also does anyone know if when I’m touring I can claim for all food I eat throughout the day?
Thank you

I've never done it but I'm sure that you can get receipts for taxis as I'm sure it is something regular business people do. Buses your ticket would be the receipt. If you pay by card for them then your bank statement would also be proof.

For food, yes you can claim for food although I'm not sure if there is a limit to how much you can claim for.

However, paper receipts can fade really quick so it may be beneficial to download a bookkeeping app that will let you scan receipts.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 05 May 2021, 07:11:42 pm
I've never done it but I'm sure that you can get receipts for taxis as I'm sure it is something regular business people do. Buses your ticket would be the receipt. If you pay by card for them then your bank statement would also be proof.

For food, yes you can claim for food although I'm not sure if there is a limit to how much you can claim for.

However, paper receipts can fade really quick so it may be beneficial to download a bookkeeping app that will let you scan receipts.

Yes Taxis will give receipts if you ask.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Caledonia on 05 May 2021, 11:08:11 pm
Yes Taxis will give receipts if you ask.

I thought they did but wasnt 100% sure
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 06 May 2021, 08:03:35 am
I thought they did but wasnt 100% sure

I've been asking for 10+ years, last time a used a taxi was pre-pandemic but still the same.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Tina Sparx on 09 May 2021, 08:20:12 am
Here is a scenario -
If I was to rent a flat purely to work from - (not live there) could I put that rent and council tax as an expense?
I see it the same as if I was renting a lock up shop?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 09 May 2021, 08:38:20 am
Here is a scenario -
If I was to rent a flat purely to work from - (not live there) could I put that rent and council tax as an expense?
I see it the same as if I was renting a lock up shop?

Yes as ever always check but accommodation is an allowable expense, even if you live there (accountants usually apportion part of the bills according to the proportion used by your business activities), plus all associated bills. Buying things for that flat.

Basically if an expense in the course of your work ie to work = expense to reduce tax liability.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Tina Sparx on 09 May 2021, 08:49:34 am

Basically if an expense in the course of your work ie to work = expense to reduce tax liability.

Thank you
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SamLilly on 22 August 2021, 06:03:05 am
Hi All.

Thank you for so much information. I've spent a while reading through all this. Those who offer incalls and out calls (though I think this is an obvious and I'm over thinking it) can you record mileage to the place you are working from and to out calls as well?

I've just set up my "new account" and ordered my tax relief book as well.

I plan to use my secondary for all the purchases etc, deposits ideally I want to set up a savings account to keep my pot for class 2, 4 & tax (aim for higher just incase) and then transfer a weekly or monthly amount does this sound rational?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 22 August 2021, 06:40:55 am
Hi All.

Thank you for so much information. I've spent a while reading through all this. Those who offer incalls and out calls (though I think this is an obvious and I'm over thinking it) can you record mileage to the place you are working from and to out calls as well?

I've just set up my "new account" and ordered my tax relief book as well.

I plan to use my secondary for all the purchases etc, deposits ideally I want to set up a savings account to keep my pot for class 2, 4 & tax (aim for higher just incase) and then transfer a weekly or monthly amount does this sound rational?

Only outcalls is the answer to this, travel to a fixed place of work is not (as I understand it) classed as an expense.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SamLilly on 22 August 2021, 11:50:04 am
Perfect but in theory if you do both you can claim an incall call expense and outcall fuel. Mind is boggled after a shocking nights sleep. In good news I've already started planning how much I have to save for the tax man!
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 22 August 2021, 06:40:04 pm
Perfect but in theory if you do both you can claim an incall call expense and outcall fuel. Mind is boggled after a shocking nights sleep. In good news I've already started planning how much I have to save for the tax man!

Rent, heat, light, repairs, furnishings, bedding, utilities.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: SamLilly on 22 August 2021, 07:15:39 pm
Rent, heat, light, repairs, furnishings, bedding, utilities.

New watch for time keeping, bedding, decor, big clock in bedroom.

Yep already doing the maths.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Umrao on 14 October 2021, 08:00:53 pm
Hello Ladies,

I am looking to work from where I live which is my home. I spoke to an accountant just as a general enquiry and she mentioned having to inform the council. Is this correct because it confused me. Any one else working from where they live and told to do the same?

I am on my own no partner, pets or children.

Thank you
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Lady Frog on 14 October 2021, 10:50:29 pm
If you are a council housing tenant and therefore the council is your landlord, yes you do need their permission, and no they will not give it to you - they will most likely evict you I would imagine.

Working from home (as many office based employees did during lockdowns) is practically and legally very different from running your own business from home. The former is usually allowed and you don't need your landlord's permission. The latter (running a business from home) is almost always forbidden by your tenancy agreement and doing so will result in an injunction/eviction.

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 introduced the option of having a 'home business tenancy', basically a different type of tenancy agreement to an assured short hold tenancy, which permits tenants to run a business from home with the business type specified and agreed in the contract.

I don't know anyone who has ever had or even considered one of these but trust me if you asked for one for prostituting from home the best response you could hope for is the landlord laughing in your face.

Bottom line is, get a different accountant.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Umrao on 14 October 2021, 11:21:42 pm
If you are a council housing tenant and therefore the council is your landlord, yes you do need their permission, and no they will not give it to you - they will most likely evict you I would imagine.

Working from home (as many office based employees did during lockdowns) is practically and legally very different from running your own business from home. The former is usually allowed and you don't need your landlord's permission. The latter (running a business from home) is almost always forbidden by your tenancy agreement and doing so will result in an injunction/eviction.

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 introduced the option of having a 'home business tenancy', basically a different type of tenancy agreement to an assured short hold tenancy, which permits tenants to run a business from home with the business type specified and agreed in the contract.

I don't know anyone who has ever had or even considered one of these but trust me if you asked for one for prostituting from home the best response you could hope for is the landlord laughing in your face.

Bottom line is, get a different accountant.

Thank you for your reply Lady Frog.

I have no tenancy or mortgage situation as it is a family owned property so do not understand why she mentioned the council.

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Lady Frog on 14 October 2021, 11:30:49 pm
Oh I see. In that case I'm assuming she was on about business rates? Most of the time you do not need to pay business rates for working from home, but there are some exceptions. One of them is 'you sell goods or services to people who visit your property' which obviously would cover sex work.

Ridiculous suggestion though, obviously sex workers don't register with the council with this, not because we don't want to pay our way but because society often doesn't accept our work and it would cause us many problems.

Your accountant may be technically right but still a completely idiotic suggestion imo.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Umrao on 14 October 2021, 11:43:28 pm
Oh I see. In that case I'm assuming she was on about business rates? Most of the time you do not need to pay business rates for working from home, but there are some exceptions. One of them is 'you sell goods or services to people who visit your property' which obviously would cover sex work.

Ridiculous suggestion though, obviously sex workers don't register with the council with this, not because we don't want to pay our way but because society often doesn't accept our work and it would cause us many problems.

Your accountant may be technically right but still a completely idiotic suggestion imo.

Thank you Lady Frog, my thoughts entirely in agreement for ladies not doing so.

My search for another accountant will continue.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Lady Frog on 14 October 2021, 11:47:36 pm
Best of luck  :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Umrao on 15 October 2021, 12:21:16 am
Best of luck  :)

Thank you so much and may Lady Luck always cross your path too  :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Honeyxx on 18 November 2021, 02:11:10 pm
Does the sea sponges used to work on our periods count as an tax deductible expense ? Xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: English Green on 18 November 2021, 02:14:58 pm
Does the sea sponges used to work on our periods count as an tax deductible expense ? Xx

Hahaha not sure what to think of that. If you was going to put sponges in as a expense then why not perfume, make up etc or baby wipes?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 18 November 2021, 02:34:28 pm
Hahaha not sure what to think of that. If you was going to put sponges in as a expense then why not perfume, make up etc or baby wipes?

They are all valid business expenses so long as they're used *specifically* for sex work.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: English Green on 18 November 2021, 02:36:28 pm
I have never put anything like that in before just adverts, hotels, special oils etc. Make up i use all year round and perfume whether working or not.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 18 November 2021, 10:09:22 pm
Does the sea sponges used to work on our periods count as an tax deductible expense ? Xx

yes
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Caledonia on 19 November 2021, 09:30:00 pm
I have never put anything like that in before just adverts, hotels, special oils etc. Make up i use all year round and perfume whether working or not.

I've never included them either even though I dont really use outside of work. I just think it's too difficult to prove they were only used for work. Same with things like outfits as who's to say I didnt also wear that dress I put through on a Uni night out.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: English Green on 19 November 2021, 09:48:40 pm
I've never included them either even though I dont really use outside of work. I just think it's too difficult to prove they were only used for work. Same with things like outfits as who's to say I didnt also wear that dress I put through on a Uni night out.

I was always advised by my accountant to avoid putting things down that look like they are used in personal life or what HMRC could view as pushing the line that bit further because if they audit you and find some things odd or bizarre they could go through all past tax returns etc but obviously people should do as they see fit it's all just different opinions at the end of the day. If you want to know for sure ask HMRC and see what they say is the best option.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Milf-G on 20 November 2021, 08:20:28 pm
My accountant is one of my clients, he's been absolutely brilliant.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Channellene on 30 November 2021, 10:02:48 pm
Hi this is my first post here! I’ve read a few post about the above but wanted to give my situation see if you could help. So I’m a single mother of 5, was working as an escort after a 11 year break still am haven’t declared any earnings as of yet. I’ve taken a 30 hour a week job on this week and got myself in a stress as I have no time to do my escorting and i don’t want to give it up I love it and tbh I didn’t need a 30 hour job im no better off than if I had a 16 hours with my actual professional job. I took the 30 thinking I cud boost my u overall credit up however I’ve made myself miserable as im not doing my escort earnings.

So my question is do I go self employed… but can I really say im a nail technician or massage therapist without a business plan or valid certificates. What other work could I say to be self employed?

Do I do 16 hours in a different job and one day escorting so I’m happier and fitting it around my children as this new job is wanting me in over Xmas and I’m literally panicking as I don’t want to be away from my kids wen I cud be using the days they get free nursery hours to earn a lot more to make me happy and with my children over the holidays.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Caledonia on 30 November 2021, 11:42:56 pm
So my question is do I go self employed… but can I really say im a nail technician or massage therapist without a business plan or valid certificates. What other work could I say to be self employed?
You can say you're doing anything, HMRC dont care as long as you're declaring your earnings.You dont need to show anything to them except proof of earnings and expenses and that can be as simple as keeping an appointment diary and receipts from any expenses, but HMRC aren't going to ask to see certificates or a business plan.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 01 December 2021, 08:46:08 am
You can say you're doing anything HMRC dont care as long as your declaring your earnings.You dont need to show anything to them except proof of earnings and expenses  and that can be as simple as keeping an appointment diary and receipts from any expenses, but HMRC aren't going to ask to see certificates or a business plan.

Yeah, my accountant has got me down as an entertainer and for general expenses like clothing, condoms, toys etc I just put them down as miscellaneous items  :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: HiddenTalents02 on 23 April 2022, 08:20:52 am
Hi,
So I’m doing my taxes form and I’m wondering about client eye.
I’ve paid for ad free version since last year. Is that something I can put down as an expense?
Wasn’t sure since I can get it for free but I want ads free.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 23 April 2022, 08:43:32 am
Hi,
So I’m doing my taxes form and I’m wondering about client eye.
I’ve paid for ad free version since last year. Is that something I can put down as an expense?
Wasn’t sure since I can get it for free but I want ads free.

Yes doesn't matter if you can get it for free, it's a business expense.

Condoms are free from GUM clinics but many decide to buy their own, they are a business expense.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: HiddenTalents02 on 23 April 2022, 09:08:36 am
Thanks mirror :)
Great example too, didn’t even think of that.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Olivia715 on 20 May 2022, 12:58:33 pm
Okay thank you for that!

My tax question is, do we need to provide invoices? How would we manage to do that? Or do they take our word for it. I can’t imagine a situation where a client would sign an invoice  :-\

I also have questions about working abroad (setting up a website for that country, but I’m thinking of keeping things simple for now. The country I plan to go to, this is illegal, but weirdly at the same time has the most developed industry on the planet due to everybody using the workarounds (Japan), so I’m going to have to think more on that.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 20 May 2022, 03:20:49 pm
No, invoices are not necessary (any more than they are when you buy a drink in a pub), just proper recordkeeping - a diary with your appointments and earning in are fine. And don't forget to keep your receipts so you can claim the tax relief on your expenses.

Please start separate topics for unrelated questions, and then the threads stay on topic and don't blget jumbled up or derailed :).
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Olivia715 on 20 May 2022, 03:29:54 pm
Hi, just found this. I’m struggling with the idea of invoices. So if 200 pound cash goes in my bank, and I want to declare that as income, aren’t HMRC going to want an invoice to prove where it came from or do they just take your word for it?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 20 May 2022, 03:35:53 pm
I've answered your question (and merged your other post) above :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Olivia715 on 20 May 2022, 03:37:02 pm
Sorry still struggling with how the site works. Got the answer I needed Amy thank you so much
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 20 May 2022, 03:48:00 pm
That's OK! It's a massively long thread I know, but basically you just need to keep records of what comes in and what goes out (this is any money you spend on things you need to run your business; condoms, hosiery, taxi fares, whatever) and then at the end of the tax year you add up what you've earned and take off what you've spent. This is your profit, and what you pay tax on after your personal allowance which is the amount you can earn before you start paying tax.

So if you earn £40K and spend £15K, your profit is £25K. The personal allowance this year is £12,570, so you'll be paying tax on the remaining £12430 (and also National Insurance, but that's a story for another day) :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Moonlight2020 on 06 August 2022, 07:16:32 pm
Good afternoon, I need help and maybe you can guide me. Can anyone recommend an accountant? I have no idea how to start paying my taxes. Please

Thanks
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 06 August 2022, 11:09:09 pm
Good afternoon, I need help and maybe you can guide me. Can anyone recommend an accountant? I have no idea how to start paying my taxes. Please

Thanks

Messaged you  :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Moonlight2020 on 07 August 2022, 10:20:19 am
Thanks  ;)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 27 October 2022, 07:40:38 am
 ;D

so just sharing
i left uk on 10 may 2021
so i must do the tax return only april and may 2021 and closing trading
what i need to show that i m not in uk? i mean i want to be legal and pay my taxes. now i m in Dubai tax free
ana ccountant asked me proof and sent visa, rent contract, shopping bills and she said is not enough this is an excuse IMO
she does not ask for a specific ones and i mean more than a visa what can be enough.

i m looking for accountant now bc i m abroad i can not myself. please suggest one thanks
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Miss luxe xx on 01 November 2022, 12:11:02 am
Hey, just wondering if anyone has some tips for me please I am wanting to register as self employed as I am doing escorting full time now and need to get it sorted. I am wanting to keep it discreet though does anyone know what I could use for the job title and would I be classed as a sole trader?
Any tips would be amazing as I am so lost with it all
Thankyou xx
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: mySecret on 01 November 2022, 07:54:38 am
Hey, just wondering if anyone has some tips for me please I am wanting to register as self employed as I am doing escorting full time now and need to get it sorted. I am wanting to keep it discreet though does anyone know what I could use for the job title and would I be classed as a sole trader?
Any tips would be amazing as I am so lost with it all
Thankyou xx

massage therapist, stylist, ... when i started i paid an accountant who knows i was escorting he suggested stylist
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Gypsy on 01 November 2022, 11:22:33 am
Hey, just wondering if anyone has some tips for me please I am wanting to register as self employed as I am doing escorting full time now and need to get it sorted. I am wanting to keep it discreet though does anyone know what I could use for the job title and would I be classed as a sole trader?
Any tips would be amazing as I am so lost with it all
Thankyou xx

Mine has me down as entertainer  :)
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Kay on 01 November 2022, 11:58:28 pm
Hey, just wondering if anyone has some tips for me please I am wanting to register as self employed as I am doing escorting full time now and need to get it sorted. I am wanting to keep it discreet though does anyone know what I could use for the job title and would I be classed as a sole trader?
Any tips would be amazing as I am so lost with it all
Thankyou xx

I'm an 'alternative therapist'. It really doesn't make much difference so long as you can claim for what you need to and do your accounts properly (i.e. could withstand an HMRC investigation). I'd advise hiring an accountant, at least to get you started.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 16 December 2022, 11:31:01 am
Can I put uber to clients outcall as am expense? Even if the client pays?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 16 December 2022, 12:32:56 pm
Can I put uber to clients outcall as am expense? Even if the client pays?

I would guess you'd then have to declare the amount paid by client as income, out of which your transport was paid.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 20 May 2023, 07:10:48 pm
I decided I want to stop claiming things on tex next year because I want to get a morgade. What's the highest amount I can earn a week without paying more than 20% tax. I want to aim to.out this in my banks account every month until I can get a morgate
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: jasmine89 on 20 May 2023, 07:49:28 pm
£50,270 per year then it goes up to 40%
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 20 May 2023, 11:58:48 pm
Thanks I don’t want to pay 40% esp because I’m not going to be claiming expenses
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 13 June 2023, 11:34:47 pm
Thanks I don’t want to pay 40% esp because I’m not going to be claiming expenses

it's only 40% on the amount above £50k, not the whole thing. Also, pension contributions are tax deductible. why wouldn't you claim expenses if you are going hit more than £50k?
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 14 June 2023, 08:20:40 am
Because I want to get a bigger mortgage and they base it off income after the expenses etc. I still don’t understand the 40% thing
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Sue69 on 14 June 2023, 09:29:00 am
From Gov UK

The tax-free allowance lets you receive up to £1,000 tax-free on your trading income. If you claim this allowance, you cannot claim expenses or other allowances.

It might be useful to some who just work for holiday money.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Mirror on 14 June 2023, 11:09:53 am
Because I want to get a bigger mortgage and they base it off income after the expenses etc. I still don’t understand the 40% thing

The 40% tax is only payable on the amount of earnings (after expenses) over £50,270, so if after expenses your income is £60,270 only £10K is taxed at 40%.

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Escortx on 19 June 2023, 10:26:29 pm
Thanks I didn’t realise that. Not so bad as I thought
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Aries_season on 28 June 2023, 12:46:11 am
Hi, I know I can claim dinner expenses on tour, as you can't cook in a hotel, but do you think I actually need a receipt, or if a bank statement says "Uber eats" then that's enough? Ive heard if transaction is visible and described on your bank statement it can serve as receipt. And Uber eats is pretty self explanatory if HMRC asks, so I never save receipt from it, but if I use it a lot maybe I should?
The rules for food expenses and receipts are so vague, I still don't get it  :-\
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MsRedhead on 06 July 2023, 11:04:34 pm
Hi, I know I can claim dinner expenses on tour, as you can't cook in a hotel, but do you think I actually need a receipt, or if a bank statement says "Uber eats" then that's enough? Ive heard if transaction is visible and described on your bank statement it can serve as receipt. And Uber eats is pretty self explanatory if HMRC asks, so I never save receipt from it, but if I use it a lot maybe I should?
The rules for food expenses and receipts are so vague, I still don't get it  :-\

just save the email confirmation from ubereats in a folder.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: Lady Frog on 06 July 2023, 11:09:05 pm
just save the email confirmation from ubereats in a folder.

Yes this is what I do for travel tickets and other expenses. Download the email receipt as a pdf rather than a html file so it is all contained in one file. Rather than just downloading the email directly you can go print - then save as pdf to keep it nice and tidy.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: English Green on 30 January 2024, 10:45:32 pm
You say HMRC won't care what expenses you claim well i can think of at least 2 cases where they did care. Where the expenses was not in any way contacted to their job but they put it down thinking they would never get audited or looked at and it caused the woman a lot of hassle and she ended up owing more money from putting expenses not connected to her job and took far longer looking far back into her and she seemed a liability to them. So if you are saying its fine for me to put condoms and sex toys through my expenses for a job where i am not down as a actual prostitute then i don't think i would risk it thanks from other situations i have seen happen with HMRC. Obviously that is not stopping nobody else from doing that. We can all do as we like.

I won't comment further on the tax affairs of expenses as can see it's a touchy subject and my experience of HMRC is very different to some other people on here.

Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MissBetty on 30 January 2024, 11:08:25 pm
I don't bother with expenses as work at home. Too much hassle.
I work from home and claim all sorts. WiFi and phone-in. £10 a week for running a business from home allowance and although I don't claim towards my utilities I do claim £3.50 per client to wash towels sheets and bathmats etc.  It all mounts up and I can tell you all businesses have running costs.  And if you're not claiming any it could raise a red flag for HMRC
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 31 January 2024, 11:52:11 am
Above posts moved from unrelated thread.

I'll have one more go, although why I'm doing so when it's like trying to explain Nietzsche to a shower curtain I have no idea.

Nobody is saying that people should put through expenses not connected to their job - that's tax evasion. What is a fact is that ANY expense which was incurred directly in the course of you doing your job can be put through, regardless of what you've bought/paid for or what your job is.

So if a punter asked you to paint him green and this required you to buy some paint and a paintbrush, these would be completely legitimate business expenses and would not require you to be registered as an artist or a painter and decorator, because that would be insane. Equally if I decided to do a one hour outcall to Aberdeen which would cost me double what I'd earn, I can put the travel costs through. But if you go to a gig in another town and decided to put your hotel and travel costs through on the sly that's not OK, (even if you work from hotels and put these through regularly) because you didn't book the hotel for work.

I can't simplify it any more that that. What I will say is that constantly posting anecdotes about people who are not here rather than actual first hand experience is getting tiresome - if all these friends want to contribute their experiences they can register and do so themselves.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: ana30 on 31 January 2024, 12:50:47 pm
You say HMRC won't care what expenses you claim well i can think of at least 2 cases where they did care. Where the expenses was not in any way contacted to their job but they put it down thinking they would never get audited or looked at and it caused the woman a lot of hassle and she ended up owing more money from putting expenses not connected to her job and took far longer looking far back into her and she seemed a liability to them. So if you are saying its fine for me to put condoms and sex toys through my expenses for a job where i am not down as a actual prostitute then i don't think i would risk it thanks from other situations i have seen happen with HMRC. Obviously that is not stopping nobody else from doing that. We can all do as we like.

I won't comment further on the tax affairs of expenses as can see it's a touchy subject and my experience of HMRC is very different to some other people on here.

I just paid my taxes this week so I'm on "tax mode" right now (yes I know... very last minute BUT the past month I went through covid and the death of a loved one which left my brain all over the place and  unable to add 2 plus 2, so silly me left everything for the last minute). This said, I believe the big issue  here is people not wanting to put "sex worker" on their tax form for x,y, reasons.So  lets say you write "Therapist", "entertainer" or "model" (I don't know what occupation you write down on your tax return) because you don't want to write "escort" or "sex worker" then add all these condoms as expenses. If you get called by HMRC to explain your self assessment it's going to be quite obvious you're a sex worker, unless of course you're creative enough coming up with a story on why a "therapist" needs 50 condoms a month and plenty of lube.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: V24 on 01 February 2024, 11:46:33 am
You say HMRC won't care what expenses you claim well i can think of at least 2 cases where they did care. Where the expenses was not in any way contacted to their job but they put it down thinking they would never get audited or looked at and it caused the woman a lot of hassle and she ended up owing more money from putting expenses not connected to her job and took far longer looking far back into her and she seemed a liability to them. So if you are saying its fine for me to put condoms and sex toys through my expenses for a job where i am not down as a actual prostitute then i don't think i would risk it thanks from other situations i have seen happen with HMRC. Obviously that is not stopping nobody else from doing that. We can all do as we like.

I won't comment further on the tax affairs of expenses as can see it's a touchy subject and my experience of HMRC is very different to some other people on here.

If the person you mention was putting expenses down not related to her job (what she was listed as or what she was doing) then of course she would get into trouble.

I was told directly by HMRC that I could put down what I like as a job and claim expenses for condoms etc.  As lock as the expenses related to the actual job I was doing.

You are very unlikely to get audited however if you are unlucky enough trust me they will already know what you do.  They will have done their due diligience and they will have more information than you think.  And if you go in there lying to their faces about what you do that is when you will come unstuck. 
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: English Green on 01 February 2024, 12:40:54 pm
If the person you mention was putting expenses down not related to her job (what she was listed as or what she was doing) then of course she would get into trouble.

I was told directly by HMRC that I could put down what I like as a job and claim expenses for condoms etc.  As lock as the expenses related to the actual job I was doing.

You are very unlikely to get audited however if you are unlucky enough trust me they will already know what you do.  They will have done their due diligience and they will have more information than you think.  And if you go in there lying to their faces about what you do that is when you will come unstuck.

That was my point all along claim whatever you like as long as it matches the job they think you do. Don't do that and expect a hard time if they want to go through your taxes and the expenses are not even remotely connected to what you said you do for work. No more to say on it than that.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: amy on 01 February 2024, 02:09:08 pm
For somebody who supposedly has no more to say, you're doing a spectacularly good job of saying.

The point the above posts are making is that whatever expenses you incur for work you can claim for regardless of what you put on the form because you incurred them while doing your work, whatever that work is. If you are being audited they will know very well you are a sex worker already (if for no reason other than you will have told them, but they'll know anyway as Ana has said.)

Once again, HMRC care about whether the income and expenses you declare are legitimate and correct. They could  ot give a shimmering fuck what your occupation says - that's obviously with the caveat that you haven't registered as a kebab shop or a cab driver - provided you pay the right tax.

If you still won't listen to me, read these again.

If the person you mention was putting expenses down not related to her job (what she was listed as or what she was doing) then of course she would get into trouble.

I was told directly by HMRC that I could put down what I like as a job and claim expenses for condoms etc.  As lock as the expenses related to the actual job I was doing.

You are very unlikely to get audited however if you are unlucky enough trust me they will already know what you do.  They will have done their due diligience and they will have more information than you think.  And if you go in there lying to their faces about what you do that is when you will come unstuck. 

If you get called by HMRC to explain your self assessment it's going to be quite obvious you're a sex worker, unless of course you're creative enough coming up with a story on why a "therapist" needs 50 condoms a month and plenty of lube.

Also maybe remind yourself of this, since it's most sensible thing you've posted.

I won't comment further on the tax affairs of expenses as can see it's a touchy subject and my experience of HMRC is very different to some other people on here.
Title: Re: Tax - accountants, deductible expenses, general information
Post by: MissBetty on 01 February 2024, 03:49:56 pm
I've been through a compliance investigation recently.   I had Model down as occupation.  HMRC didn't care about that at all.  What they did make a big fuss about was my mortgage and what occupation I had down for that when taking it out.  They were going to report me for mortgage fraud but l hadn't started sex work when I took out my mortgage so all was OK.