registering as self employed

[evedawn]

I plan to do some freelance work and I need to register as self employed. This work (just a few hours a week) will be in addition to my "normal" job (which is 32hrs/wk.).

Can I legally register as self employed whilst still employed elsewhere?
How long wil my self employed number take to arrive after I've applied?

Thanks all

[ummmm]

Phone HMRC...they are very very helpful.

You will need to fill out a tax return at the end of the year. They will also help you with that.

Don't forget to keep every single receipt involved in your self employment so you can claim it back.

[evedawn]

thanks. I was thinking of 'applying online (I went onto their site) but maybe if i ring they can answer the 2 Q's I have. Thanks again

[ummmm]

Have you got a local tax office?

[evedawn]

according to the webpage my "local" office is based in another county but they do give a number so I will ring them tomorrow.

[tamborine]

you dont need to register as SE if you're already employed.....unless you're determined to increase your tax payments.

SE are sent tax returns after their 1st years work. That's when they're allotted numbers etc.

[evedawn]

so tamborine - if I am employed and have a tax num etc but do extra work via a DIFFERENT employer (this time it'll be a secondary job to my current one) how do I get taxed for the work I will do freelance? thanks in advance

[dothawkes31]

you can split your tax code when you have 2 jobs but that is for people doing 2 part time jobs PAYE. If you just do a coupld of hours a week freelance and 32hrs elsewhere, are you claiming WTC at the moment?

[ummmm]

I presume you'll be invoicing them?

You'll need to fill a tax return. It works a year behind.

[evedawn]

yes ummm I'll be invoicing them.

yes dot i pay PAYE but what is WTC?

[buildersmate]

When you start working self-employed, you register with HMRC at the time. Advice given above that suggests the contrary is just plain wrong - again.
It says as much - here (scroll down a bit).
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/self-emp.htm#2
It is true that you pay the income tax in arrears, but HMRC do wish to know.

WTC - Working Tax Credits