Council Tax Benefit & Audited Accounts

[missworry]

I am currently in receipt of working tax credits and I am also eligible for Council Tax Benefit of which I have been claiming for just over 12 months

 

Recently my local authority has written to me requesting that I provided them with a copy of my self employed audited accounts?

 

I prepare my own tax return each and every and have done so for a while. I do not run a business and therefore I don not see the need to employ a team of accountants to sign off my annual tax returns. Are they just picking me alone or has this become standard practice across the board for all self employed Council Tax Benefit recipients?

 

In their letter they threaten to suspend my benefit if I can not produce audited accounts, what is my best course of action and how do I appeal against this.

 

Thank you in advance.

[speedfreek]

A 2 second google got me this

 

Do I need to have an accountant?

No, you just need to keep an accurate record of the income and

spending for your business. If you do not have audited accounts,

we will ask you to fill in our self-employed earners form.

We may ask to see receipts for your expenses and invoices to

support your income.

 

http://www.hackney.gov.uk/Assets/Documents/self-employed-advice-htbandctb.pdf

[missworry]

A 2 second google got me this

 

 

 

http://www.hackney.gov.uk/Assets/Documents/self-employed-advice-htbandctb.pdf

 

Thank you for that sppedfreek!

When I first made my claim for Council Tax Benefit I was never asked to provide audited accounts so why are they trying this on now?