Got a side hustle? Check if you need to file a tax return

If you earn more than £1,000 from a side hustle, you might have to register for self assessment.

This includes money made from:

• online selling (e.g. Vinted or eBay)
• digital content creation (e.g. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube)
• freelance work
• dog walking
• babysitting
• renting out a property or a room
• cryptoasset gains

Even if your side hustle feels more like a hobby, it’s important to check. 

The rules still apply if your side income isn’t regular or full-time.

How do I check?

Use the checker tool on GOV.UK to find out if you might need to complete a tax return for the 2024-25 tax year.

If you’re new to self assessment, you’ll have to register online to get your unique taxpayer reference (UTR).

More information for anyone with a side hustle can be found on GOV.UK.

File early, says HMRC

The deadline for submitting your self assessment tax return is 31 January 2026.

But if your income from a side hustle is above the £1,000 threshold, it could be worth filing your tax return well before then.

“Filing early puts you in control,” said Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services.

“You will know exactly what you owe, can plan your payments, and avoid the stress of the January rush. 

“You don’t need to pay immediately when you file – you have until 31 January to settle your tax bill.”

Sorting your taxes might not be the most exciting part of your side hustle, particularly if you consider it more of a hobby.

But staying on top of it means you won’t get any nasty surprises down the line. 

Filing early gives you peace of mind, more time to budget and might even save you from a panic in January.