If you are on a low income, you may be able to claim Working Tax Credit on top of your wages. Many self-employed people do not realise they can claim tax credits.You can qualify in the following ways.

• If you (or your partner) are employed or self-employed for more than 16 hours a week and are bringing up one child or more. If you qualify for this reason, the tax credit can also help with childcare costs in certain circumstances.

• If you (or your partner) are employed or self-employed for more than 16 hours a week and have a disability that puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job.

• If you or your partner started work (including self-employed work) in the last three months and are:

– over 25 and work for 30 hours or more a week; or

– over 50 and work for 16 hours or more.

In both cases, you must have received Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Incapacity Benefit within the last six months.

Working Tax Credit will usually be paid into your bank account, and is dealt with by HM Revenue & Customs.