disability, part time self employed, smallholding and tax

tattycat

Hiya folks. Ok got a smallholding, about 4 acres, got poultry, show goat's, rare breed pig, rabbits and guinea pigs. 2 polytunnels, raised beds and a small orchard. I make jam's, chutneys and cordials.
We've got this setup for our own benefits, as neither of us are in the best of health, regarding dairy produce, egg's, veg, fruit and meat and were looking at opening to the public. Re petting farm, smallholding course's, working with schools and mental health services. The animal feed we source is GM free and was looking at supplying this also if the demand is there.
Soo the question is
How much red tape?
Do I need to VAT register?
Income tax. What's the situation?
Am I a sole trader?
Can I do this on disability? Between us we can just about run a full time business.
Also got a potential self catering apartment...
Any ideas much appreciated..Thanks

_Brian

I think your first call to citizens advice.

From a brief glance, yes you can do some work while on the payment.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/disability_allowance.html


As for the red tape of home produce my understanding that a domestic kitchen of good modern standards should pass without much bother.

Username John

Theres a lot in that post, I am unsure of most of it, but I added in a few comments.

tattycat wrote: »

Hiya folks. Ok got a smallholding, about 4 acres, got poultry, show goat's, rare breed pig, rabbits and guinea pigs. 2 polytunnels, raised beds and a small orchard. I make jam's, chutneys and cordials.
We've got this setup for our own benefits, as neither of us are in the best of health, regarding dairy produce, egg's, veg, fruit and meat and were looking at opening to the public.

I wouldn't think this would be an issue. This may be of some help.

tattycat wrote: »

Re petting farm, smallholding course's, working with schools and mental health services.

Teagasc have it listed here
So a phone call to them might be worthwhile.
My first thought here would be how much insurance would you have to pay?

tattycat wrote: »

The animal feed we source is GM free and was looking at supplying this also if the demand is there.

You could ask Teagasc while you have em on the phone - not sure what would be involved here.

tattycat wrote: »

Soo the question is
How much red tape?
Do I need to VAT register?
Income tax. What's the situation?
Am I a sole trader?
Can I do this on disability? Between us we can just about run a full time business.
Also got a potential self catering apartment...
Any ideas much appreciated..Thanks

I think you have lots of different options listed above, what might suit one in terms of VAT / tax, might not suit the other...

lakill Farm

on the jams and chutneys im sure your going to have to get HSE approval for kitchen

petting farm - INSURANCE

animal feed- you need a licence off Dept of Agri to sell meal

you would be sole trader and just reg for income tax

self catering - probably most profitable

tattycat wrote: »

Hiya folks. Ok got a smallholding, about 4 acres, got poultry, show goat's, rare breed pig, rabbits and guinea pigs. 2 polytunnels, raised beds and a small orchard. I make jam's, chutneys and cordials.
We've got this setup for our own benefits, as neither of us are in the best of health, regarding dairy produce, egg's, veg, fruit and meat and were looking at opening to the public. Re petting farm, smallholding course's, working with schools and mental health services. The animal feed we source is GM free and was looking at supplying this also if the demand is there.
Soo the question is
How much red tape?
Do I need to VAT register?
Income tax. What's the situation?
Am I a sole trader?
Can I do this on disability? Between us we can just about run a full time business.
Also got a potential self catering apartment...
Any ideas much appreciated..Thanks

tattycat

Thanks john. Some really good points nd thanks for the link.
Thanks lakhill farm too. I didn't know I'd need a licence to sell animal feed. Any idea how hard it is to get one? Nd thanks for info re sole trader nd income tax. All new to this nd quite confusing re legislation. Thanks again.