Short term self-employed. Can it be simple?

Mr Scoobie

I was just hoping if anyone had any tips for me in making this simple. I've been PAYE all my life, then at the beginning of the year, lost my job and now after some serious looking I've scored a new one. However, it's only for 2 months and then at the end of it, it finishes and I get a cheque. (it's teaching on a summer course). Basically I'm going to be Self-employed for only 2 months and as it's not a long term thing, i'm looking to keep this simple. Can it be? or do I really have register a business name and fill in tax returns etc and do all that stuff that seems alien and complicated (to me).
Cheers for any help

Stheno

It depends on the company you are working with, they can insist that you be a ltd company but some will still work with people who are not.

Mr Scoobie

they seem to be happy whatever you are, they originally assumed I was self-employed. When I told them I wasn't they said I should:
"probably sort something out"

ArtSmart

Read between the lines.

the general line for such a short contract is 'it's up to you to declare all earnings'

Mr Scoobie

yes mate! I got that! My question is about the best i.e cheapest way of doing this honestly!

Mrs OBumble

You don't have to register a business name - unless the client company wants you too.

You can just be a sole trader. You do have to declare the income to Revenue - see them and ask for their small business brochure, which explains it all. Some people would say get an accountant, but it may not be worth it for a job like this if there aren't many expenses you can claim.

You most probably don't need to worry about VAT 'cos you'll be under the limit. You will have to pay self-employed PRSI contributions.

Actually the latter point is worth being aware of. You will not be getting regular stamps for the two months, only Class S. I think you won't be eligible to sign for JSB at the end of it (hmm, or it may affect your JSB eligibility in a later year). You can sign for JSA if you can prove that your self-employment has ended, but it will be means tested.

Hmm, I have a feeling this would be better moved to a different forum. Not sure if it's best in State Benefits or Entrepreneurship ... gonna try the latter, but OP if it's not right report the post and ask the mods there to move it where you want it.

IRE60

Stall the digger!

Self employed is great until the sh1t hits the fan. If you go that route (asn just do the research) and it's only two months work, you could be denying yourself of any future Gov assistance - dole/rent etc.

I'm not sure when (duration) of s/e this kicks in, but if you can only see two months and your are currently receiving assistance i'd suggest a ltd company, employ yourself and pay full prsi

gline

If you go onto this page http://www.revenue.ie/en/online/index.html there is a way to get all forms sent out to you or get pdf's online. Ive also looked into this before and had all the brochures sent out to me... I think the bottom line is, it might be hard getting back on the dole if you are only doing 2months self employed. afaik it is not really a usual thing to only be self employed for such a small period of time, but the revenue people would be the best to contact.