A Complete Guide to PAYE and Tax Credits
Are you a small business owner or freelance worker in the UK? If so, then you’ve probably heard of PAYE but do you know what it is and how it affects your taxes? In this guide, we’ll cover all the basics of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and tax credits so that you can make sure you’re staying on top of your tax obligations.
When Do I Need to Use PAYE?
If you are an employer with one or more employees, then you must register for PAYE with HMRC. Once registered, you must deduct taxes from each employee’s wages before they are paid out. The amount deducted will depend on several factors, including whether or not the employee has any other sources of income. It’s important to note that if your employees earn more than £100,000 per year, they will have higher tax rates and will need to be treated as high earners for tax purposes.
What Are Tax Credits?
Tax credits are payments made by HMRC to help individuals who meet certain criteria reduce their taxable income. For example, if an individual has a low income but has children living with them, they may be eligible for child tax credits which allow them to reduce their taxable income by up to £2,780 per year. There are also Working Tax Credits available for those who work 16 hours or more a week and earn less than £14,000 per annum. These credits can help offset some of the costs associated with working such as childcare fees or travel expenses.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re an employer or an employee in the UK, understanding how PAYE works and knowing when to use it is vital for keeping on top of your taxes. Additionally, taking advantage of tax credits when applicable can help reduce your taxable income significantly throughout the year. With this guide in hand, now you have all the information necessary to handle your taxes properly!
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