Does working out your tax give you a headache? Do you dread the tax bill? Don't fear help is at hand!

HM Revenue and Customs has set up a scheme to help fishermen put aside money from each catch so that they can pay their tax and National Insurance on time and automatically when it becomes due.

The scheme aims to simplify your tax bills and gives you access to other benefits including tax credits, and financial services such as loans and mortgages.

Membership of the scheme is voluntary and to sign up fishermen will have to:

· Sign a mandate form which allows HM Revenue and Customs to open a bank account in their name and the boat owner to pay a slice of their earnings into the account.
· Sign a direct debit authority which allows HM Revenue and Customs to take the money from the account in payment of tax and National Insurance.

As part of the scheme, sea going share fishermen can claim a seakit tax allowance, currently £700 tax-free in a year. This covers personal expenses such as bedding, boots, oilskins, protective clothing, gloves, knives and stones.

If anybody is interested in the scheme then please contact the office for further information.

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