BTWEA - Working On Business Abroad?

nateireland

Hey all,

Applying for the BTWEA and want to do everything by the books so have a question or two...

I'd love to travel while I am working on my business somewhere down the line (once business is established)

I will be working with clients remotely and paying Irish taxes on work done so everything will be above board.

Just wondering do you have to be present in the country 100% of the time when operating a business on the BTWEA?

Is there monthly meetings you must attend when you're on BTWEA or anything?

If you have to be around all the time then thats fair enough. Just considering my options...

Thanks!

loconnor1001

I don't know if there are any technicalities that prevent you from travelling once it's business related. I had no monthly meetings etc when I was on the BTWEA.

nateireland

Thanks for the reply!

upinthesky

You have to inform social welfare if you are leaving the country while on BTWEA, not sure about your earnings abroad.

Help!!!!

lisar816 wrote: »

You have to inform social welfare if you are leaving the country while on BTWEA, not sure about your earnings abroad.

Really? Why is that?

upinthesky

Help!!!! wrote: »

Really? Why is that?

I have no idea! My partner has just started out on the scheme and this is what we were told anyway, take a look at this might help

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Back-to-Work-Enterprise-Allowance-Self-Employed.aspx

.7 Absence from the State

In cases where BTWEA applicants whose self employment ventures require that they spend time out of the country, it is a requirement that the intention/need to be absent from the state is highlighted on business plan/application and if/when approved is noted on the claim.

In cases where it comes to the Department's attention that a client is out of the State without prior approval the claim shall be suspended initially and depending on the circumstances terminated and overpayments raised where necessary. The JA/JB holiday rule states 'a person may receive JB or JA for two weeks holidays (i.e. 12 days excluding Sundays) in any calendar year. These holidays may be taken abroad'. Any trip in excess of the holiday rule may result in suspension of a claim and payments for the periods involved.

In all instances absences from the State must be notified to a case officer. In the main, a reasonable business trip shall be classified as being in the region of 2/3days. Any trips in excess of this will be at the discretion of a Facilitator or the local Integrated Development Company to approve and strong supporting evidence should be available to confirm the nature of the trip abroad.

Participation in the BTWEA can be periodically reviewed, to confirm that the conditions of entitlement continue to be satisfied. A review may also be initiated on receipt of notification of any change in circumstances which may affect entitlement. This may include a request for proof of residency in the state.

nateireland

Interesting, thanks for that.

Is there any way to 'freeze' the scheme for, say, two months, and resume on your return?

upinthesky

I am not sure, have you been excepted onto the scheme yet?

nateireland

No, not yet. Will be applying in the coming days.

upinthesky

Maybe put it on your business plan then, or when you go for your meeting, say it to your jobs facilitator and ask there recommendations?

nateireland

Thanks Lisa!