2025–26 Side Hustle Tax Rules: How Much You Can Earn Before Telling HMRC
2025–26 Side Hustle Tax Rules: How Much You Can Earn Before Telling HMRC
TL;DR Summary
- You can earn up to the trading allowance without registering for Self Assessment.
- Once income goes above that threshold, HMRC usually needs to be told.
- Confusion often comes from mixing “tax-free” with “no reporting required”.
Side hustles are now common across the UK, from online selling and freelancing
to driving, tutoring and content creation.
One of the most searched questions every tax year is simple:
“How much can I earn before I have to tell HMRC?”
The answer depends on allowances, reporting rules, and how your income is classified.
This guide explains how the rules actually work in the 2025–26 tax year.
The Trading Allowance: The Key Number
The UK has a trading allowance that applies to small amounts of side income.
- It covers trading, casual services, and self-employed income
- If your total side income stays within the allowance, no Self Assessment is usually required
- This is an income allowance, not a profit calculation
Once income goes above the allowance, different rules apply.
When You Must Tell HMRC
You normally need to tell HMRC if:
- Your side income goes over the trading allowance
- You want to claim expenses instead of the allowance
- You are already required to file a tax return
At that point, registering for Self Assessment is usually required.
“Tax-Free” Does Not Always Mean “No Reporting”
This is where many people make mistakes.
- The allowance can cover income from tax
- But HMRC may still need information in some situations
- Other income can change your overall tax position
Reporting and paying tax are related—but not identical.
Side Hustle Income vs Employment Income
Side income is treated separately from PAYE wages.
- Your employer does not handle tax on side income
- Tax is calculated annually, not monthly
- National Insurance may apply separately
This difference often catches first-time side hustlers off guard.
Common Side Hustle Tax Mistakes
- Assuming small income never needs reporting
- Forgetting that allowances apply per tax year
- Mixing personal and business income in one account
- Missing Self Assessment registration deadlines
Most problems come from misunderstanding thresholds, not from high earnings.
What HMRC Looks At
HMRC focuses on:
- Total income across the tax year
- Consistency of activity
- Whether income looks like a trade
Occasional income and regular trading are treated differently.
Why This Topic Matters in 2025–26
Interest remains high because:
- More people rely on secondary income
- Digital platforms make income easier to track
- HMRC reporting rules are better enforced
Knowing the rules early prevents avoidable issues later.
Trusted Sources
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
- GOV.UK – Trading allowance guidance
- Self Assessment registration guidance
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not tax advice.
Tax obligations depend on individual circumstances.
Readers should consult HMRC guidance or a qualified adviser if unsure.
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