{"id":12709,"date":"2024-09-01T12:43:48","date_gmt":"2024-09-01T11:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=12709"},"modified":"2024-11-08T09:40:07","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T09:40:07","slug":"register-side-hustle-as-a-limited-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/register-side-hustle-as-a-limited-company\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I need to register my side hustle as a limited company?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n Last updated: 8 Nov 2024<\/strong>\n <\/div>\n \n

Side hustles are a great way to earn extra cash or test the waters before committing to a new business idea. Their popularity has skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic and throughout the cost-of-living crisis, with new research suggesting that nearly 50% of Brits want to start or grow a side hustle<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve started a side gig or are considering doing so, it\u2019s important to be aware of your legal obligations. You may be confused about the tax implications or unsure whether to register as a limited company or sole trader. These are important considerations, all of which we address below.<\/p>\n

Setting up a limited company is optional\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

First and foremost, there is no legal requirement to register a side hustle as a limited company, regardless of your trading activities or how much you earn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A limited company is simply one of several legal structures through which you can run a business. It\u2019s a popular option, especially for people earning a substantial amount or looking to grow their business long-term. However, it\u2019s not appropriate for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people initially operate small side hustles on a self-employed basis. This is the most straightforward approach if you\u2019re simply looking to earn a bit of extra cash to supplement your main source of income.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n \n \"Revolut\n \"Revolut\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n

Essentially, if you start making money on the side and it’s not through a company or partnership that you’ve set up, you’re using the default setting of a self-employed sole trader.<\/p>\n

Depending on how much income your side hustle generates, you may or may not need to register with HMRC as self-employed to report and pay tax on your additional income.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at the rules to help you figure out your position. We’ll then explain when it may be beneficial to register a company.<\/p>\n

If you earn more than \u00a31,000 a year from your side hustle<\/h3>\n

You must register for Self Assessment<\/a> with HMRC if your annual gross trading income (i.e. without deducting expenses) from your side hustle is more than \u00a31,000. This limit is known as the annual trading allowance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The allowance applies to individuals who receive trading income from:<\/p>\n