Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

Side hustle tax in the UK

The £1,000 trading allowance, when you must tell HMRC and what you might pay.

The short answer

You can earn up to £1,000 a year from side work, selling things as a business or casual services before you need to tell HMRC. This is the trading allowance. If your gross income from it is more than £1,000, you need to register for Self Assessment and report it.

The trading allowance

It covers income, not profit. The test is your gross income before costs.
Under £1,000 and you generally do not need to tell HMRC or pay tax on it.
Over £1,000, you can either deduct your real expenses or deduct the £1,000 allowance instead, whichever is better. You cannot do both.
It does not apply to income from your own company, a partnership, or from your employer.

What tax you would pay

Profit from side work is added to your other income, so it is taxed at your usual rates. You may also pay Class 4 National Insurance at 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above that. The self-employed tax calculator estimates this for you.

When to register

If your gross trading income goes over £1,000, you must register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of the tax year. For 2025/26 that is 5 October 2026. See Self Assessment deadlines for the other dates.

Selling things online

Selling a few unwanted personal items, like old clothes, is usually not trading. Buying things to resell, or making items to sell, can count as a trade. Online platforms such as eBay, Vinted and Airbnb now report seller information to HMRC, so it is worth getting it right.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not tax or financial advice.