Self Employment Hmrc - Cleaning Work

[Cantthinkof12use]

Hi I'm just about to start a cleaning job for a neighbour and want to register as self employed so everything is above board. I just had a quick look on HMRC to register as self employed but it said not to use this service if not a business. Well I'm not a business but will be self employed?? and hopefully I can pick up more cleaning work when kids are at school in future. Am I doing this correctly??

[Zacs-Master]

I presume your neighbour is paying you (?) If so, then you are a business and should register. Phone them if you're in doubt. They're very helpful, usually.

[ummmm]

Like Zacs says they are really helpful.

Just phone and tell them you need to register for self assessment.

[Cantthinkof12use]

Thanks guys, yes i'll be paid, Am I right in thinking i'll be self employed rather than employed. All I am doing is spending a few hours a week doing her housework, I can choose when I go, and can decide whether or not to go in school holidays etc.

[Zacs-Master]

Yes, as you're not working for a company, you will be self employed. Some good advice here:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/newbusinesses/iwtregister-as-self-employed.shtml

[pixie373]

You'll need to pay your own tax from it, so you'll be self-employed. Go onto Businesslink website. That will show you which forms you need and talk you right through it.

[Cantthinkof12use]

Thanks for your help, will take a look at your suggestions

[maclarencat]

A tribunal just found in favour of a woman who was cleaning for a man. He told her he didn't need her anymore and she took the matter to a tribunal saying he employed her and had sacked her. They found for her so must have deemed that the cleaner was employed by the person not self employed. Her wage did not meet the amount for NI or tax so the person employing was not doing anything other than handing money over every week in return for her cleaning so not sure about this.

[thugulike]

For a worker to be an employee there needs to be mutuality of obligation. If your neighbour states when you have to work then you would be an employee. If you are self employed you should think about getting insurance in case you break anything. That would clearly show you to be self employed. If you apply for any other posts keep a copy of the applications to show HMRC that you are running a business. You will not be entitled to holiday pay or sick pay if you are self employed. If you are self-employed and cannot attend then you can elect to send someone else in your place. You should also supply your own materials and tools.