Registering as self-employed in Feb 09 - do I still have to fill out tax return now

matth76

(subject meant to say Jan 09, not Feb 09)

Hi

I have seen a few adverts saying that the deadline to fill out your online tax return is 31st Jan 09. I am in full time employment (and will continue to remain so) but will also be doing some part time freelance work beginning in February, at which point I will need to register as self employed. I understand I will have to fill out an online tax return even though I am in full time employment because I am doing freelance work on the side.

Ideally I would want to register as self employed this month so everything is all ready for when I do my freelance work. My question is if I register as self employed this month, ie before 31st Jan will I have to fill out a tax return (ie for around two weeks)? Can anyone definitively confirm this? Or to be safe should I register as self employed Feb 1st?

Thank you for any help answering this.

Mikeyorks

matth76 wrote: »

My question is if I register as self employed this month, ie before 31st Jan will I have to fill out a tax return (ie for around two weeks)?

No. Your self -employment starts in Jan 09 so you need to make a first Return for the period to April 09. And that isn't due until 31st Jan 10.

But - as you correctly deduce - you do have to register within 3 months of commencing self-employment.

metalfury

matth76 wrote: »

(subject meant to say Jan 09, not Feb 09)

I am in full time employment (and will continue to remain so) but will also be doing some part time freelance work beginning in February, at which point I will need to register as self employed. I understand I will have to fill out an online tax return even though I am in full time employment because I am doing freelance work on the side.

Hi, I am in a similar position. Would you have to declare yourself as self employed? - can you not just complete a self assessment form?

Thanks

ceeforcat

metalfury wrote: »

Hi, I am in a similar position. Would you have to declare yourself as self employed? - can you not just complete a self assessment form?

Thanks

You must register to pay Class 2 national Insurance contributions within 90 days of commencing self-employment. If you don't you will be automatically fined when you do register. If you, as an approximate guide only, are a higher rate taxpayer by dint of your employed earnings only, you may be able to claim deferment at the same time. You still must register though.

metalfury

Thanks ceeforcat,

I will be registering as suggested.

Cheers