Independent contractor and self assessment tax return

[hopefulApplicant]

Hi All,

I have been contracting through my own limited company in the UK for about 18 months now and am about to submit an HSMP application. My concern is related to Annex C, section 51 of the HSMP guidelines. Specifically the area that states that "self assessment tax documents are not acceptable, as they are not independent". As I understand it.... as a director of a limited company, a self assessment return (SA100) is the only one I CAN submit.

I did call the work permits helpline regarding this on a couple of occasions. I was told that self assessment documents are not allowable, but what the Revenue and Customs returns to you in relation to that submission will be acceptable. I was returned a form labeled SA300 which just showed the amount of my return and states in bold type You have nothing to pay.

The second time I spoke to the work permits help line, I was told that I would need to submit proof showing that I have registered with HMRC to pay tax. I have a letter from HMRC acknowledging my registration.

I had also briefly spoken to a HSMP advisor (company that submits HSMP applications for a fee), who said that because it was my accountant who prepared and lodged the self assessment documents, it was independent and was therefore acceptable.

I would like to know if there are others out there in a similar position (director of a limited co with only a SA tax return), and what they have submitted.

Do you think I'll be OK with my SA tax return, the SA300 and the letter showing that I have registered to pay tax with HMRC? I plan to explain the entire situation on a cover letter.

My accountant is doing up all of my payslips (signed and stamped), dividend vouchers, company audited accounts and a letter verifying earnings. I also have all my original HSBC bank statements and copies of my contracts for the period claimed.

Lastly, my tax return if from Apr 05 to Apr 06. I am claiming for the period December 05 to December 06. I obviously don't have a tax return for the 06/07 tax year. I feel silly asking this as I cannot possibly see how it could be a problem...but do you think it could be?

Sorry for the long post.

Any replies are appreciated (especially from those with a ltd co who are in a similar situation).

Thanks,
Chris

[Jk2007]

Lastly, my tax return if from Apr 05 to Apr 06. I am claiming for the period December 05 to December 06. I obviously don't have a tax return for the 06/07 tax year. I feel silly asking this as I cannot possibly see how it could be a problem...but do you think it could be?
Thanks,
Chris

For the period from April 2006 - December 2006, since you dont have Tax return, submit the following:

(1) Contracts showing your rates and period
(2) Invoices to the client
(3) Your Business Bank account statements showing credits of income

[hopefulApplicant]

Hi jk2007,

Thanks for the information on sending the Business Bank account statements. I was unsure if I should be sending those in, but I think I will...just to be on the safe side.

Do you think I will be OK submitting what I listed in my first post?

Thanks,
Chris