Side Hustles in the UK
A side hustle in the UK is any paid work you do on top of your main job or studies: selling things, freelancing, tutoring, delivery shifts or small online tasks. The first £1,000 a year of side income is tax-free under HMRC's trading allowance, but above that you need to register for Self Assessment, and since 2024 online platforms report sellers' income to HMRC automatically. Here are realistic ideas for 2026, what each one actually pays, and the tax rules in plain English.
General information, not tax advice. Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year as of October 2026; check gov.uk for your situation.
Side hustle ideas that work in the UK
- Selling unwanted items on Vinted, eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Selling your own used things is not trading, so it is usually not taxable.
- Reselling (buying to sell at a profit) is trading, and the tax rules below apply.
- Freelancing: writing, design, bookkeeping, video editing, social media management for local businesses.
- Tutoring online or in person, especially maths, sciences and languages.
- Pet sitting and dog walking through apps or local groups.
- Delivery and driving shifts with flexible hours (you will need the right insurance).
- Renting out a room or a parking space. Rent-a-room relief makes up to £7,500 a year tax-free for a furnished room in your home.
- Micro-tasks and paid surveys: easy to start, but low pay. See paid surveys and micro tasks.
What they really pay
| Side hustle | Typical pay | Start-up cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tutoring | £20-£45 per hour | Low |
| Freelance design or writing | £15-£40 per hour once you have clients | Low, portfolio needed |
| Dog walking | £10-£20 per walk | Low, insurance advised |
| Delivery shifts | Around minimum wage after costs | Vehicle and insurance |
| Surveys and micro-tasks | £2-£5 per hour | None |
These are rough ranges seen on UK platforms in 2026, not guarantees. Skills-based work pays far more per hour than click-based work, but it takes longer to find the first client.
Tax: the £1,000 allowance and Self Assessment
- Trading allowance: the first £1,000 of gross income from self-employment or casual work each tax year is tax-free, and you do not need to tell HMRC about it.
- Above £1,000: register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of the tax year in which you earned it. You then pay tax on profit (income minus allowable expenses), or you can deduct the £1,000 allowance instead of actual expenses.
- Personal allowance: your total income up to £12,570 is not taxed, but your main job usually uses it up already, so side profit is often taxed at your marginal rate.
- National Insurance: Class 4 contributions apply to self-employed profits above the threshold.
Rent-a-room relief (£7,500) and the property allowance (£1,000) work separately from the trading allowance.
Platforms now report to HMRC
Since 1 January 2024, digital platforms such as marketplaces, gig and rental apps collect sellers' details and report their income to HMRC once a year. Platforms do not have to report people who sell fewer than 30 items and earn less than about £1,700 a year. This is not a new tax: it simply means HMRC can see side income that goes above the trading allowance.
Making Tax Digital from April 2026
From 6 April 2026, self-employed people and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000 must keep digital records and send quarterly updates through compatible software. The threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. Most small side hustles are below these levels, but if yours is growing, plan for it.
Your employer and your contract
Check your employment contract for clauses about second jobs, conflicts of interest and working hours. Many employers allow side work as long as it does not compete with them or use their equipment. If you are on a visa, check whether your visa conditions allow self-employment before you start.
Side hustle scams
- "Like and review" task jobs on WhatsApp or Telegram that start by paying small sums and then ask you to "top up" to unlock bigger tasks.
- Requests to receive money into your bank account and pass it on. This is money muling, a crime in the UK.
- Paid "courses" promising £500 a day from a phone.
The rule is simple: real side hustles never ask you to pay to start earning.
A free game, not a salary
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Quick answers
How much can I earn from a side hustle before paying tax in the UK?
The first £1,000 of gross trading income each tax year is covered by the trading allowance.
Do I need to tell HMRC about selling on Vinted?
Selling your own used items is usually not trading; reselling for profit is, and platforms report sellers above 30 items or about £1,700 a year.
When do I register for Self Assessment?
By 5 October after the end of the tax year in which your side income went over £1,000.
Does Making Tax Digital apply to side hustles?
From April 2026 only above £50,000 of qualifying income, then £30,000 from 2027 and £20,000 from 2028.
Can my employer stop me having a side hustle?
Your contract may limit second jobs or competing work, so read it before you start.