Got a wedding season side hustle? You could have tax to pay on your extra income

Wedding season is in full swing, and if you're earning extra money by making wedding cakes, photographing ceremonies, creating floral arrangements or providing other services for happy couples, it's worth checking whether you need to tell HMRC about your earnings.

Whether your side hustle is something you do every weekend or just occasionally alongside your main job, you may have tax responsibilities if you earn more than £1,000.

What is HMRC's Help for Side Hustles campaign?

HMRC's Help for Side Hustles campaign is designed to help you understand your tax responsibilities if you're earning extra income outside your main job.

The campaign explains what counts as a side hustle, how different types of extra income are taxed, and why it's important to follow the rules. You'll also find answers to common questions about side hustles and self assessment, as well as guidance on how to check whether you need to pay tax on your earnings.

Do you need to pay tax?

If you earn more than £1,000 from your side hustle in a tax year, you may need to register for self assessment and complete a tax return.

This could include money you make from:

• selling items online through platforms such as Vinted or eBay
• creating digital content on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube
• freelance work
• making and selling wedding cakes
• wedding photography or videography
• dog walking
• babysitting
• renting out a property or spare room
• cryptoasset gains

Even if your side hustle feels more like a hobby than a business, it's important to check whether the tax rules apply to you.

The same rules apply whether your income is regular or occasional, and whether you're paid in cash or directly into your bank account. Checking now could help you avoid an unexpected tax bill later.

If you're simply selling unwanted personal possessions from time to time, you probably won't need to pay tax, but it's always worth checking to be sure.

How can you check?

Use the checker tool on GOV.UK to find out if you might need to complete a tax return for the 2025 - 26 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.