Side Hustle Tax Guide: What Surrey Employees Need to Know Before 5 April

By Surrey Accountants Team — 2025-12-27 — Tax Guides

The Rise of the Side Hustle

From freelance consulting to Etsy shops, food delivery to online tutoring, side hustles have become a defining feature of modern working life. Across Surrey, thousands of employees supplement their income with additional earnings.

What Counts as a Side Hustle?

Any work you do outside your main employment that generates income is potentially taxable. Common side hustles include freelance services, selling products online, rental income, tutoring, and gig economy work.

The Trading Allowance

The £1,000 trading allowance means if your side hustle income is below this threshold, you don't need to report it. However, if you earn more, you must register for self assessment.

Keeping Records

Even for casual side hustles, keep records of all income received and expenses incurred. Digital records are fine and often easier to manage.