Calculate Your Side Hustle Taxes

In today's gig economy, side hustles are not just about earning some extra cash but also a pathway toward financial independence and entrepreneurial success. However, dealing with complex taxes can turn this thrilling journey into a confusing ordeal.

As a self-employed individual in the UK, have you ever thought about trying out some side hustle to boost your income? If so, understanding the impact of a second income on your tax is crucial. In this guide, we will dive in to explore side hustle income, including the registration process and tax allowances.

Our goal is to help you understand the complex world of UK side hustle tax so that tax documentation doesn't get in the way of your dream project.

The Rising Culture of Side Hustles

From renting property to freelance work, side hustles UK have become a popular means of sourcing income. Whether it's to fuel your passions or meet financial objectives, side hustles can offer a profitable venture if managed correctly. The gig platforms like Fiverr, Etsy, Upwork, Uber, Airbnb and Deliveroo ( etc ) have been the game changers in earning additional income for individuals.

On the other hand, though extra jobs work as a nice source of income, they also carry with them some tedious tax directives. Being an ethical and wise citizen, it's important to be aware of its repercussions because it will help you be on good terms with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Understanding Side Hustle Income

Side hustle income, often derived from part-time jobs or freelance work, is subject to taxation. It's crucial to understand that even small earnings are liable to tax obligations. Here are some prevalent forms of side income:

• Property or spare room renting on platforms like Airbnb
• Online sales of commodities on platforms like Etsy, Upwork, Fiverr, eBay, or Amazon
• Freelancing in fields such as writing, graphic design, programming, or marketing
• Blogging/Vlogging with earnings through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing
• Offering consultancy services, coaching, or financial consulting
• Providing tutoring or fitness training services
• Offering pet care services for pet owners
• Offering translation services in multiple languages

Classifying Your Side Hustle Income

Once registered, the next step is to categorise your side hustle income. In the UK, side hustle income can be classified into three main categories:

Trading Income: This category encompasses income from activities that involve providing goods or services regularly, such as freelancing or selling products you've created.

Property Income: If your side hustle involves renting out properties, the income falls under this category.

Miscellaneous Income: This covers income from various sources like one-off gigs, online platforms, or casual services.

Each income category has specific tax rules, allowances, and reliefs, so it's crucial to classify your income correctly.

Side Hustle Allowance in the UK

The UK government offers an allowance for side hustles. If your side hustle income in a tax year is less than £1,000, it's not taxable, and you don't have to inform HMRC about it. However, if your earnings exceed £1,000, you're liable to pay tax on such income, considering the personal allowance of £12,570.

Registration for Side Hustle Income

Here's how to register for your side hustle income:

1. Check if You're Registered: If you're already registered with HMRC for self-assessment and have a Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number, you're good to go. You can easily declare your side hustle income and pay tax on it.

2. If Not Registered: If you're not registered yet, don't worry. You'll need to register as self employed for a self-assessment tax return. This means telling HMRC that you're earning money from your side hustle, and they'll set you up with the necessary paperwork to report your income and pay taxes on it.

3. Complete the Registration: You'll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your side hustle when you register. This includes details like your name, address, and the nature of your side business.

4. Receive Your UTR: Once you've completed the registration process, HMRC will issue you a Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number. This number is like your personal tax ID and is used to identify you when you file your tax returns and pay taxes on your side hustle income.

5. Declare and Pay Taxes: With your UTR number in hand, you can now declare your side hustle income on your self-assessment tax return each year. Make sure to report all your earnings accurately and pay any taxes owed on time to avoid penalties.

By registering for self-assessment and obtaining your UTR number, you ensure that you're following the rules and paying the correct amount of tax on your additional income from your side hustle.

Keeping Accurate Records and Claiming Expenses

Maintaining records of your income and expenses is vital for tax compliance. Keep receipts, invoices, bank statements, and any other relevant records to accurately calculate your tax liability. These records also allow you to claim allowable expenses related to your side hustle, such as marketing costs, equipment purchases, or travel expenses, effectively reducing your overall tax liability.

Understanding Tax Payments and Deadlines

Depending on your total income, you may have to submit a self-assessment tax return to accurately report your income and expenses and calculate your tax dues.

The deadline for submitting your self-assessment tax return is usually on or before January 31st following the end of the tax year (April 5th). Do not miss these deadlines or else you’ll need to pay penalties or interest charges for late filing.

Taxing of Side Hustle Income

Understanding the tax brackets and rates is crucial for accurate calculations of your tax liability.

Personal Allowance

• Taxable Income: Up to £12,570
• Tax Rate: 0%

Basic Rate

• Taxable Income: £12,571 to £50,270
• Tax Rate: 20%

Higher Rate

• Taxable Income: £50,271 to £125,140
• Tax Rate: 40%

Additional Rate

• Taxable Income: Above £125,140
• Tax Rate: 45%

The UK operates on a tiered income tax system, commonly known as tax brackets. As your income increases, you move into higher tax brackets, resulting in a higher percentage of your earnings being taxed.

Special Allowance for Property Landlords

For landlords, there's a special allowance that applies if you let out a property or a spare room through platforms like Airbnb. If the gross rental income generated from your spare room does not exceed £7,500, Rent a Room Relief is activated, leading to an exemption from taxation for the rental income. However, if you share the rental income with a partner, this threshold is halved to £3,750.

Strategising Tax Optimisation for Self Employed

Tax optimisation strategies can help side hustlers from understanding the allowances to setting up a limited company. Here are some strategies to consider:

Understand Your Allowances: Familiarise yourself with the personal allowance and basic rate tax band. Earnings within these thresholds are subject to lower tax rates.

Claim Expenses: Keep detailed records of all allowable business expenses related to your side hustle. This may include equipment, supplies, travel, and a portion of home expenses if you work from home.

Use the Trading Allowance: The trading allowance allows you to earn up to £1,000 tax-free from self-employment or casual income. This is particularly beneficial for those with small side hustles.

Consider Incorporation: Depending on your side hustle's scale and income level, consider whether it is tax-efficient to operate as a sole trader or to set up a limited company. A limited company structure may provide additional tax planning opportunities.

Use Allowances for Renting a Room: If you rent out a furnished room in your home through the Rent a Room scheme, you can earn up to £7,500 tax-free. This allowance is halved if you share the income with someone else.

Contribute to Pensions: Consider contributing to a personal pension plan. Contributions are eligible for tax relief, which can reduce your overall taxable income.

Dividend Allowance: If you operate as a limited company and pay yourself dividends, take advantage of the dividend allowance. For the tax year 2023-24, the dividend allowance is £1,000 and halved to £500 for the tax year 2024-25. Dividends within this limit are tax-free.

Tax-Free Savings Accounts: Explore tax-efficient savings options, such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). Interest and gains from ISAs are tax-free.

Claim Tax Reliefs: Ensure you are claiming all applicable tax reliefs. For example, if you use your car for business purposes, you can claim mileage allowances.

Keep Your Records Updated: Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records. This not only helps you claim all eligible expenses but also facilitates the tax filing process.

The Role of Professional Tax Services: Taxd

Taxd, an online tax software, offers professional tax services that can play a crucial role in ensuring the financial success and compliance of freelancers, contractors, and designers.

Expert Guidance: The assistance of tax professionals can offer specialised guidance tailored to the specific needs of individuals involved in side hustles.

Maximising Deductions: Taxd can identify and maximise eligible deductions, ensuring side hustlers retain as much of their earnings as possible.

Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Staying compliant with tax regulations is crucial to avoiding legal issues. Taxd can provide valuable insights into changing tax laws and ensure side hustlers navigate potential risks.

The Importance of a Side Hustle Taxes Calculator

Calculating your UK side hustle tax accurately is key to ensuring compliance and avoiding any potential penalties. Our side hustle tax calculator can be an invaluable tool in this regard. By inputting your income and expenses, a side hustle tax calculator can provide an accurate estimate of your tax liability.

There are various online calculators available, but for a comprehensive and accurate calculation, consider using the Taxd side hustle tax calculator. This tool is specifically designed for self employed and takes into account all relevant tax rules and regulations.

Conclusion

Starting a side business can be really exciting, but dealing with taxes as a part-time worker in the UK is super important for making money. As a freelancer, designer, or contractor, you can reduce expenses and grow your businesses by employing effective tax management techniques and consulting with professionals. It's important to stay informed on the most recent tax laws as side jobs change and grow. Those who understand these rules are more likely to do well in their businesses and adapt to any changes that come along.

To make your tax handling process easier and more efficient, consider using our side hustle tax calculator. This tool can help you estimate your tax liability accurately, allowing you to plan ahead and avoid any unpleasant surprises when tax season rolls around.

FAQs

1. What is a side hustle tax calculator UK?

A side hustle tax calculator is a tool that helps you estimate the tax liability on your side hustle income in the UK. It takes into account your income, expenses, and applicable tax rules to provide an accurate tax estimate.

2. How can I accurately calculate my side hustle taxes in the UK?

To accurately calculate your side hustle taxes, you'll need to maintain accurate records of your income and expenses, classify your income correctly, and understand the tax rules and rates applicable to your income. A side hustle tax calculator can simplify this process by providing an accurate tax estimate based on your input.

3. Are there any tax-free side hustles in the UK?

While some types of income may be tax-free under certain conditions, most side hustles are subject to tax. You can consult a tax professional on Taxd to understand the tax implications of your specific side hustle.

4. What are some popular side hustle ideas in the UK?

Popular side hustles in the UK include freelancing, consulting, selling handmade crafts, renting out properties, and driving for ride-sharing services. The choice of a side hustle often depends on your skills, interests, and availability.

5. How does a side hustle impact my tax liability?

Your side hustle income is added to your total income for the tax year, which could potentially push you into a higher tax bracket.