Any advice for starting to iron for people

shopaholic2008

I am thinking of starting to iron a small amount to get some extra income and pay off the cards. I was just wondering if anyone has any advice or knows anything about paying tax and NI. It would be on a very small scale ~ much the same as someone advertising to walk someones dogs.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks

claireabelle_2

Hi shopaholic - I seem to remember something like this on the newish up-your-income board!
Best thing to do is call HMRC and tell them your plan - they send out a small self-employed pack to have a look through.

shopaholic2008

thank you i will look into doing that tomorrow

bryanb

Don't forget to offset your ironing board, iron, electricity used, etc against tax. Even a room in your house for part of the day, if doing it at home.

tyllwyd

You have to register as self-employed within three months of starting ... but if I were you, I wouldn't rush to register until you have actually got some ironing to do for someone. Otherwise if you get yourself on the system and then decide that you aren't going to do it after all, you've given yourself needless hassle.

Keep all your invoices, and a record of all money in and out. It might make life easier if you have a separate bank account for your business, or at least one where there isn't much going in and out so you can easily see what money you've earned.

You might find a bit more about the specifics here
http://www.homeworking.com/discus/index.html
http://messageboards.ivillage.co.uk/iv-ukwkworkhome

shopaholic2008

Thank you for all you comments i will look into this today

bank_of_slate

Hi shopaholic, check your local tax office, many run 'workshops' to teach you how to do it all.
Ours does as my hubby has just set up a photography business, the tax people have been really helpful
...Linda xx