FAQ
Common questions from performers about UK tax. Can't find your answer? Check the other guides or get professional advice.
Q: I’ve earned under £1,000 this tax year — do I still need to declare it?
A: Probably not. HMRC gives everyone a £1,000 trading allowance — if your total self-employed income for the tax year is £1,000 or less (before expenses), it’s tax-free and you usually don’t need to report it or register for Self Assessment. Two things to watch: it’s gross income, not profit, and it doesn’t cover employed (PAYE) earnings. If you’re already registered, filing anyway, or claiming expenses bigger than £1,000, it’s worth declaring — and always keep your records just in case.
Q: Do I need to register for tax if I earn under £12,570?
A: If you're self-employed, you must register with HMRC even if you earn under your personal allowance. If you're only employed (PAYE), no. Better to register anyway for peace of mind.
Q: Can I claim losses against other income?
A: Yes! If your self-employed work makes a loss, you can carry it forward to offset future profits, or back against prior years' self-employed profits.
Q: When do I need to pay tax — quarterly or just at year-end?
A: Self-employed: Pay by 31st January after the tax year ends (not quarterly). Higher earners may need to make payments on account (half in July, half in January).
Q: What if I miss the filing deadline?
A: £100 penalty immediately. Then 5% of tax owed after 3 months, another 5% after 6 months. Don't leave it — file ASAP and contact HMRC to explain.
Q: CAN I CLAIM WORKING FROM HOME AS AN EXPENSE?
A: Yes, if you use part of your home for self-employed work. Two ways to claim: work out the actual costs (a fair share of rent/mortgage, council tax, utilities and insurance based on the rooms used and time spent), or use HMRC’s simplified expenses flat rate — a set monthly amount based on hours worked from home: £10/month for 25–50 hours, £18/month for 51–100 hours, and £26/month for 101+ hours. No need to split bills. Full run-down in our expenses guide.
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