Without a doubt the question I'm asked most frequently when I start to act for someone new to the adult entertainment industry is "How do I describe my business to HMRC?". And I fully understand why.
How many people trust the Government nowadays?
What is to stop HMRC disclosing your occupation to a future employer or building society when you're applying for a mortgage at some stage in the future?
The second question is easier to answer than the first!
I am the first to criticise HMRC when it comes to customer service but I have never criticised them over taxpayer confidentiality and I never will. They never disclose information to third parties. Even your own accountant at times!
Jolyon Maugham QC, a tax specialist, states very clearly in his blog
The Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 Section 18 imposes strict duties of confidentiality on HMRC. Breaching them is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison. Perhaps unsurprisingly in the circumstances, officers at HMRC tend to take a conservative view of the limitations imposed upon them by the duty of confidentiality.
Despite what you may have been told or heard HMRC will not fine you if use a "slightly" different description for your business. I'd love to see HMRC argue over a job description if everything else on the return is correct. They'd make fools of themselves.
My advice is if you're happy describing your business as an escort or a webcammer then do it. If not, there is always another description. I have clients who use the following
Therapist
Beauty therapist
Courtesan
Internet service provider (for a webcammer)
Film model
Presenter
French teacher (yes seriously)
Teacher
Cleaner
Model
Companion
Sports coach
Luxury companion
Private companion
Masseuse
Life coach
Paramour
Entertainer
Dancer
How many people trust the Government nowadays?
What is to stop HMRC disclosing your occupation to a future employer or building society when you're applying for a mortgage at some stage in the future?
The second question is easier to answer than the first!
I am the first to criticise HMRC when it comes to customer service but I have never criticised them over taxpayer confidentiality and I never will. They never disclose information to third parties. Even your own accountant at times!
Jolyon Maugham QC, a tax specialist, states very clearly in his blog
The Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 Section 18 imposes strict duties of confidentiality on HMRC. Breaching them is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison. Perhaps unsurprisingly in the circumstances, officers at HMRC tend to take a conservative view of the limitations imposed upon them by the duty of confidentiality.
Despite what you may have been told or heard HMRC will not fine you if use a "slightly" different description for your business. I'd love to see HMRC argue over a job description if everything else on the return is correct. They'd make fools of themselves.
My advice is if you're happy describing your business as an escort or a webcammer then do it. If not, there is always another description. I have clients who use the following
Therapist
Beauty therapist
Courtesan
Internet service provider (for a webcammer)
Film model
Presenter
French teacher (yes seriously)
Teacher
Cleaner
Model
Companion
Sports coach
Luxury companion
Private companion
Masseuse
Life coach
Paramour
Entertainer
Dancer