13/11/2025
Festive Market Traders Urged To Check Tax Obligations For Seasonal Earnings
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched its 'Help for Hustles' campaign to remind people earning income from festive side hustles—including making Christmas decorations or selling upcycled furniture—of their tax responsibilities.
The guidance is crucial as the festive season sees a surge in market trading. Individuals must notify HMRC of their earnings if their total income from trading activities, or 'side hustles', exceeds £1,000 in the 2024 to 2025 tax year.
This £1,000 tax-free trading allowance applies to all trading income combined. For instance, if an individual earns £600 from crafts and £500 from another activity, they must register as their total of £1,100 exceeds the threshold.
Kevin Hubbard, HMRC's Director of Individuals & Small Business Compliance, advised that anyone earning more than the allowance needs to tell HMRC to avoid an unexpected tax bill.
Anyone who surpasses the £1,000 threshold must register for Self Assessment as a sole trader, file their return, and pay any tax due by the deadline of 31 January 2026.
HMRC emphasised the distinction between a taxable trading activity (making items for profit) and simply decluttering by selling unwanted personal belongings, which is usually non-taxable. A free online checker is available on GOV.UK to help people determine their reporting requirements.
The guidance is crucial as the festive season sees a surge in market trading. Individuals must notify HMRC of their earnings if their total income from trading activities, or 'side hustles', exceeds £1,000 in the 2024 to 2025 tax year.
This £1,000 tax-free trading allowance applies to all trading income combined. For instance, if an individual earns £600 from crafts and £500 from another activity, they must register as their total of £1,100 exceeds the threshold.
Anyone who surpasses the £1,000 threshold must register for Self Assessment as a sole trader, file their return, and pay any tax due by the deadline of 31 January 2026.
HMRC emphasised the distinction between a taxable trading activity (making items for profit) and simply decluttering by selling unwanted personal belongings, which is usually non-taxable. A free online checker is available on GOV.UK to help people determine their reporting requirements.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.