Advertising for services in local paper

illmonkey

I was going to advertise my services in the local paper for helping with computers.

The ad would only proberly cost £15 for a few weeks, and it would just be your basic "computer repairs, from £10" type thing.

Where do i legally stand doing this?

I am fully employed. But what about taxes etc? I assume most of the clients would just pay via cash or cheque, so i woludnt NEED to raise a invoice, as i would be operating as a single person (not a registered business)

What are the implecations of doing this? If i dont do invoices etc is that OK ?

Aark

I was going to advertise my services in the local paper for helping with computers.

The ad would only proberly cost £15 for a few weeks, and it would just be your basic "computer repairs, from £10" type thing.

Where do i legally stand doing this?

I can see no particular legal problems with advertising your services.

I am fully employed.

I assume you mean that you also have a full-time job as an employee. Or do you mean that this self-employment is your full-time job?

But what about taxes etc? I assume most of the clients would just pay via cash or cheque, so i woludnt NEED to raise a invoice, as i would be operating as a single person (not a registered business)

An individual carrying out a trade is still a sole-trader business. If you were trading with a view to making a profit you would need to register as self-employed with HM Revenue & Customs. I would suggest you do not make it clear to customers that you intend to evade tax, as there is wide publicity at the moment focused on getting people to report such individuals.

What are the implecations of doing this? If i dont do invoices etc is that OK ?

If you don't do invoices/receipts would your customers be happy that they have no proof of what you have done, no evidence if they have a complaint etc.

If you make a profit from this venture, you will be liable to Income Tax and possibly Classes 2 and 4 National Insurance Contributions, depending on the level of your profits. Profits are after deducting costs of parts, advertising, motor expenses etc.

illmonkey

i am a employee.

I have just spoken to my dad about this as well. It seems far to much hastle than its worth.

I was hoping there is a band where i dont have to be come self employed but still file a tax return. Oh well.

Many thanks for your help!

BlondeHeadOn

A cash-free (and therefore tax-free) alternative might be to offer your services through your local LETS organisation, and exchange some useful services. I did this for a while, and used my LETS credits to 'buy' some very useful services like free 'taxi' rides and haircuts, even an aromatherapy massage! Not quite the same as hard cash, but very useful nonetheless.

hendersonb

Jus a quick note - you don't have any insurance for this I assume, so in the off chance that you damage someones equipment they can sue you and you have no comeback.