Thursday, 10 October 2024

Death And Taxes

It is 235 years since Ben Franklin made this statement - most people only know the last seven words. It is not my place to comment on the US Constitution [but I can continue to pray for the upcoming elections] I have been seriously downsizing for 10 years since we left Leicester, and generally decluttering on and off for even longer.
Not quite ready for "Swedish Death Cleaning" yet! But taxes?
Having only worked part-time as a Supply Teacher for most of my career, averaging 2 days a week, there were hardly any years when I paid income tax. And I only get a small teaching pension. And due to a missing year of NI contributions, I don't quite get a full state pension. But it's just enough to tip me over the tax threshold. But it is all dealt with at source so that's fine, I don't do a self assessment.

But now I have my own  online shop.  I closed my Etsy shop - I was unhappy with their charges, and with the fact that many of their sellers now seem to be selling on stuff that they have clearly bought in, rather than made themselves.


The government has recently announced it is going to clamp down* on 'small traders' who might be omitting to pay their taxes. So I went online, The HMRC website is very helpful, with a simple questionnaire to fill in. As my turnover is well under the £1000 threshold, I neither need to register my business nor do a self assessment form. 
I thought it was worth mentioning this in a post because I know that quite a few of my blogfriends are crafters and make and sell their wares - and I would hate for any of you to get caught out with a fine.*They are apparently checking ads on social media etc. to see if there are people out there clearly doing a roaring trade but not acknowledging it.
My main issue at the moment is publicising 31:13 more effectively - because it isn't part of Etsy, it won't come up in searches. I need to get a review page set up on the site, and also explore other methods of publicity. 

If you have ever purchased from the site, and you blog or use Facebook, please can you give me a mention sometime? 

I will be very grateful [as will all the mice sitting patiently in the spare bedroom]

Thank you. 





20 comments:

  1. That's useful to know re the taxes! I'll try and do a blog post at some point. Kx

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  2. When I started my sewing business I wanted to make sure I was doing everything correctly. So I've always kept track of every single cent and paid taxes on it. Unfortunately, I know so many that do business under the table, but I think that will catch up to them in the end!

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    1. Better pay up promptly than risk a penalty

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  3. I will be sure to mention your shop.

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  4. I should imagine there are a LOT of people failing, either accidently or on purpose, to declare small business earnings, it's always worth checking up. I hope you can get a little bit of publicity for your online shop, word of mouth and recommendations are brilliant for growing a little business. My grandson started his home removals business just by posting regularly on Facebook about his activities, and getting customers to leave a review for him. He's a good lad, they are all five star up to now.

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  5. I didn't have enough NI contributions to my pension as several years off with children, then I only worked part-time, so my pension is made up from OH's. I love your little meece, but am holding off ordering as we are due to move at the end of the month (finally!), so waiting until we are at our new address. Xx

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    1. Oh I do hope the move works out SOON for you!!

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  6. When my friend died her son sold around £3000 worth of her crafting stuff online and the tax people came after him. He had to prove that the money was going into her estate to be split three ways but it was an eye opener to me about the amount of stuff people must sell and not declare. Good luck with your sales-is there a local FB marketplace that you could also post on to spread the word? I’m changing over shirt and long sleeved tops today and so far 4 of them are in the rag bag along with tracksuit bottoms. Catriona

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    1. I am going to post on Facebook and NextDoor

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  7. You could make up little 'mousie stories'with photos and post on FB?

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  8. Oh that's a lovely idea, thank you

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  9. Interesting to read about the taxes. My daughter has been looking into selling some of her beaded jewelry online and educating herself about it, too. Seems like Ben Franklin knew a thing or two! :D

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  10. Sometimes one thinks that even now Jesus might be disparaged if he ate with tax collectors! They do have a way of coming after people, but on the other hand, it pays to know what one is liable for. Here in Canada it is sometimes worth sending in more than believed to be required, to avoid penalties. Our CRA gives good interest on overpayments!

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  11. Thank you for the research on taxes, Angela. If I were to ever try selling on line I have important information on the current tax situation now.
    I will be sure to mention your site on my blog and those sweet mice :-).

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