HMRC Launches Help for Hustles Tax Campaign

HM Revenue and Customs launched the Help for Hustles campaign to remind individuals earning extra income from side activities to report earnings exceeding £1,000. The initiative targets those engaged in activities such as content creation, photography, baking, and wedding services, noting that the summer wedding season is a peak period for many service-based side businesses.

The £1,000 trading allowance applies to the combined total of all side hustle income. HMRC clarified that while regularly trading for profit is taxable, selling unwanted personal belongings typically does not trigger tax obligations. Individuals exceeding the threshold may need to complete a Self Assessment tax return. New entrants for the 2025 to 2026 tax year must register by October 5, 2026, with online returns and payments due by January 31, 2027.

The campaign follows research indicating that approximately one in ten people in Britain operate in the hidden economy, often unaware of registration requirements. To mitigate this, the agency provides a digital tool on GOV.UK to help taxpayers determine their obligations and avoid unexpected bills.