Running a CL caravan site

November2 · 8 January 2023 at 3:26PM

Previous house owner was running a CL caravan site, I'm going to continue running it and have already obtained the relevant certificates, insurance etc but have yet to start taking bookings. I'm having trouble finding helpful information so any info appreciated. Do I have to register with HMRC as a business/sole trader? I'm told previous owner made around £10,000 to £12,000 a year. I'm not an existing business such as a farm utilising land but just a home owner with a field.

MalMonroe · 8 January 2023 at 4:05PM

Hi, you could phone HMRC and ask.

But if you are charging people to stay on land you own, I would call that a business. If they were staying for free, then obviously you wouldn't be a business.

If you do not earn enough from that to pay any income tax, then you won't be charged income tax.

I started a small online business and registered with HMRC straight away. I've still to hit the personal allowance for paying tax but I did submit a tax return last year. I've been told by HMRC that I don't need to submit any more returns until I'm liable for tax.

But it's better to be safe than sorry and you only need to make a phone call (hopefully not hanging on the line too long).

You can also register with HMRC online and open a personal account for nothing. You can ask questions on there, too..

Good luck with your new venture!