Working as self employed tutor - few questions

Cat72

I am wanting to start my own sole trader business as a self employed tutor. I will not be seeing people at my home- instead going to there home's or renting a room at my local community centre by the hour. I have two main questions but any advise anyone could give would be great .

1- I am unsure of where my trading address will be and concerned as I stay in a council house but will not be using the premises to see clients or technically trade from - I wont be claiming benefits or anything .Im worried the council could then stop me establishing my own business , would I need to ask there permission as I wont be trading or seeing clients there( they are not very good for asking questions and tend to overact )
2- Also I use my ipad for keeping records, internet usage and my diary especially as Im based away from home most of the time .Can I claim the expense of the ipad internet usage ?

Thanks x

Brassedoff

Cat72 wrote: »

I am wanting to start my own business as a self employed tutor. I will not be seeing people at my home- instead going to there home's or renting a room at my local community centre by the hour. I have two main questions but any advise anyone could give would be great .

1- I am unsure of where my trading address will be and concerned as I stay in a council house but will not be using the premises to see clients or technically trade from - I wont be claiming benefits or anything .Im worried the council could then stop me establishing my own business , would I need to ask there permission as I wont be trading or seeing clients there( they are not very good for asking questions and tend to overact )
2- Also I use my ipad for keeping records, internet usage and my diary especially as Im based away from home most of the time .Can I claim the expense of the ipad internet usage ?

Thanks x

Hi, to answer your question, you can rent a registered office, to do that you will have to legalise your trading status. Either an LLP, or Ltd. That way you will be able to have either your accountant allowing you to use their office or your Solicitors. Companies that do the formations will hit you for it from £50-£140 PA.

The second question would be answered yes. It will be very hard separating personal and business use if you are using it at home for personal use

Pennywise

1. Use your home address - there's no problem if it's just the administrative base.

2. You can claim a proportion of the Ipad cost and internet usage, based on the time spent using it for business as against the time spent using it for personal use.

Cat72

Hi thanks for replying.

Thanks the only thing is I'm just going to be a sole trader - I don't want to go down the route of Ltd company.
I don't have a solicitor and I'm going to do most of my book keeping myself and use a recent accountant graduate I know if I need to.
How could I get a cheap registered office if not an accountant or solicitor.

Savvy_Sue

Pennywise wrote: »

1. Use your home address - there's no problem if it's just the administrative base.

Technically you should probably tell your Housing Officer and get permission, as per your tenancy agreement, but permission shouldn't be unreasonably refused. As your business won't be causing any 'nuisance' at your property (no visitors, no parking issues, no deliveries, no cars being broken up on your driveway ...) there really shouldn't be an issue.

Lagoon

Cat72 wrote: »

Hi thanks for replying.

Thanks the only thing is I'm just going to be a sole trader - I don't want to go down the route of Ltd company.
I don't have a solicitor and I'm going to do most of my book keeping myself and use a recent accountant graduate I know if I need to.
How could I get a cheap registered office if not an accountant or solicitor.

There are many companies that offer that service. Google 'Virtual Offices' to find them. Ideally in your local area.

Also, consider some professional indemnity insurance for your protection.

Cat72

thanks for your replies. I Have found a registered service that offers just mailing facilities for £49 a year and that saves causing problems with council.
You have been so helpful I really appreciate it .

I have my professional identity insurance so that's ticked off my list .

rabbit_burrow

Admin based shouldn't be a problem. Are the council actually saying that none of their tenants are allowed to take work home, or in some cases where people work in the office 3 days a week and 2 days from home?

Rather than pay for a mailing service, why don't you enquire with the council without giving them your tenancy details?

christineperseus

What will you be teaching and to what age group?