• Dominic Hay
• January 4, 2024
• 1 Comment

Side Hustle Tax UK: Navigating Your Tax Obligations as a Freelancer

Embarking on a side hustle can be a rewarding way to supplement income, or potentially pave the way to full-time self-employment. For the modern entrepreneur, understanding the tax implications associated with additional revenue streams is crucial. Managing tax efficiently ensures that one can fully enjoy the financial benefits of secondary business ventures without unforeseen complications.

Navigating the realm of side hustle taxation does not have to be a daunting exercise. It’s essential to be informed of the tax responsibilities that arise with different earning levels from such undertakings. Comprehending these obligations, as well as the appropriate processes for declaration and payment, will empower individuals to confidently run their side enterprises while staying compliant with UK tax laws.

Key Takeaways

• As of January 1st 2024 you need to be reporting Side Hustle income earned over £1000 to HMRC
• Side hustles provide an avenue to earn supplementary income, with tax considerations now based on earnings
• Proper tax handling for side hustles mitigates legal issues and maximises potential deductions or a tax evasion criminal charge!

Distinguishing a Primary Occupation from a Supplementary Income Venture

A supplementary income venture, commonly termed a ‘side hustle’, is an activity individuals engage in outside their main employment to generate additional revenue. For instance:

• An individual may be employed as a dental nurse during standard work hours and utilise their spare time to knit garments and sell them on platforms such as Etsy.
• A person might have part-time responsibilities as a PR executive and independently author content for the medical sector on a freelance basis.
• A professional electrician, offering their time outside of the primary job to provide pet-sitting services, is another illustration of a side hustle.

In the UK, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) differentiates between a primary job and a side hustle based on the income threshold. Earnings from a side hustle that do not exceed £1,000 within a fiscal year are not deemed as taxable, eliminating the need for individuals to register as self-employed or to report this income to HMRC.

Tax Obligations for Supplementary Income

Should one’s income from additional activities exceed £1,000 during a fiscal period, registration for self-employment with HMRC is obligatory, followed by the submission of a self-assessment tax return. This process differs from the typical PAYE system for salaried individuals.

Side Hustle Income Threshold for Taxation

In the UK, individuals are granted a tax-free allowance on secondary income streams. Should their earnings from such endeavours not exceed £1,000 annually, outside of their main employment, there is no requirement to pay additional tax on this amount.

Managing Side Hustle Taxation

To settle tax on additional earnings exceeding £1,000, individuals must file a self-assessment tax return with HMRC, separate from any employment income deductions.

Tax Considerations for Supplementary Income

Individuals earning additional income through various pursuits apart from their main employment are required to declare this income for tax purposes using the self-assessment tax return process handled by HMRC. The tax due from these activities takes into account both the individual’s primary employment and their supplementary earnings.

Remember that income from secondary ventures can potentially elevate you to a higher tax bracket, resulting in an increased tax rate on your earnings. This elevation occurs when the cumulative income from all sources surpasses the threshold of the current tax band.

When completing your self-assessment, it is crucial to detail your main employment to ensure HMRC is informed of the tax and national insurance already contributed. This will affect the final tax calculation for your side activities.

Online Transactions and Platforms Relevant

Popular sites like Vinted, Ebay, Etsy, Deliveroo, Airbnb, Deepop are all relevant. This is a non-exhaustive list of platforms which will now be required to share transaction information with HMRC. Therefore, if you are selling or earning money and are profitable, you are under a legal obligation now to declare this income. Any earnings over £1000 in profit become liable for tax.

Yes – ‘Unbelievable Jeff’ you may think… selling your old clothes for a living can get you caught up in this Side Hustle Tax!

How to Register Your Side Enterprise with HMRC

In the United Kingdom, formalising a side enterprise necessitates several steps with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Here’s a brief guide to the process:

Step 1: Select the correct business structure. The two predominant types are a sole trader or a limited company, each with distinct advantages. Consider which is most suitable for your venture.

Step 2: Inform HMRC of your self-employment status via the official gov.uk portal.

Step 3: Sign up for self-assessment to allow HMRC to determine your tax due. This is a critical step to ensure compliance with tax obligations.

Step 4: Await your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), which you will receive by post shortly after registration, usually within 10 days.

Step 5: Create a government gateway account using your UTR, enabling you to file your tax returns electronically. This account is essential for managing your tax responsibilities efficiently.

Consequences of Unsettled Tax on Additional Income

• HMRC penalties: Non-payment incurs fines.
• Accrued interest: Debts grow over time.

Reducing Side Hustle Taxation Through Permissible Deductions

Side entrepreneurs can mitigate their tax liability by deducting legitimate business expenditures. For instance, ingredients, online presence maintenance, and delivery expenses can be offset against side venture revenues for tax purposes.

Permissible Deductions:

• Ingredients for product creation
• Website operation costs
• Transport outlay for product distribution

Such costs, once subtracted from your total earnings, lower your taxable income, as taxation only applies to net profit. Comprehensive insights into allowable deductions are available at Times Money Mentor.

Disclaimer

It should be noted that the information presented in this guide is intended purely for educational purposes. Individuals are advised to seek tailored advice from qualified professionals regarding their specific business concerns or before proceeding with any actions based on the information in this article.

How to Manage Your Side Hustle Income

Check out platforms like Freeagent or Xero. Both of these platforms offer a free trial and you can manage your tax affairs independently or give an accountant access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taxation on Secondary Job Income by HMRC

Income earned from a job in addition to one’s main employment is considered self-employed income by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This additional income is subject to taxation, and individuals must declare it via a self-assessment tax return. The tax rate depends on the total income earned in the fiscal year and could vary between the basic rate of 20% and the higher or additional rates of 40% or 45%, respectively, if the income falls into higher brackets.

Exemptions for Hobby Income Before Taxation

For those engaging in hobbies that generate income, there’s a trading allowance of £1,000 available. This means that if the total income from such an activity is less than or equal to £1,000 within a tax year, it’s exempt from tax. Income exceeding this threshold must be declared and may be taxable.

Regulation Changes Impacting Small-scale Businesses

Legislation is regularly updated to reflect the evolving economic landscape, including the conduct of small-scale businesses. Recent updates may alter the tax reporting requirements or introduce new reliefs or obligations. It is important to regularly check the official HMRC website or consult a tax professional for the very latest information.

Criteria for Side Income Taxation in the UK

To assess tax liability on side income in the UK, HMRC considers the following factors:

• The amount of income: If over the £1,000 threshold, it’s subject to tax.
• The nature of the activity: Is it a hobby or a commercial endeavour?
• Frequency and intention: Regular and profit-seeking activities are typically taxed differently than occasional hobby sales.

Legitimate Tax-Free Opportunities for Side Income

Tax-free allowances exist, such as the aforementioned £1,000 trading allowance. Additionally, Rent a Room scheme allows earning up to £7,500 per year tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in one’s home. Following such guidelines within HMRC’s framework provides opportunities to earn tax-free income legitimately.

Calculating Taxes Owed on Side Hustle Income

To accurately calculate taxes owed on side hustle income, follow these steps:

1. Determine total income from the side hustle.
2. Deduct allowable expenses related to that income.
3. Add to other taxable income for the tax year.
4. Use HMRC’s self-assessment system to report the income.

Tools such as the HMRC Self-Assessment tax calculator or consulting a tax advisor may assist in ensuring accuracy and staying compliant with tax obligations.