How would taxation work in this situation?

Ave Sodalis

Hi all,

I handed in my notice yesterday for my full time job, for many reasons (terribly run business, horrid manager, petty behaviour, toxic work environment) but the straw that broke the camels back was that I asked to go down to a 4 day week as I am starting a part time postgraduate course that's based in the UK. Despite the incompetent members of staff getting whatever hours and days they want (it really is a badly run business), I was refused. I could have given the manager the dates I need to be over there but she likes to dangle normal holidays over people's heads and that is not something that could happen in this case. So I gave in my notice, which leaves me in an unfortunate position of being unemployed with a loan to pay back, and unqualified for jobseekers for a few weeks (something I want to avoid being on anyway).

At the moment, there's very little in the way of work in the area and what is available involves weekends. What I am hoping to do instead is email some of the small businesses such as dog kennels, equestrian centres etc., and ask for a day or two a week in each as I know none of them can afford to pay someone full time. I have thankfully enough saved to pay for my car tax next month, and enough to pay for insurance in January so I am not at crisis level. I am living at home so my contribution is more flexible than someone renting or paying a mortgage. The biggest concern at the moment is getting enough for petrol for the car and meeting loan repayments every week.

How would taxation work in such a situation? It won't be a very big income but it would have to be declared. How would I go about doing this, or should the businesses I ask sort this out as my previous job has done?

Penguin3029

I'm sorry to hear about your situation.
In terms of a very brief overview for tax, it depends entirely on the relationship you would have with the kennels/equestrian centres/etc. In other words, it will depend on whether you are considered an employee, or a self-employed contractor. There is no single factor to determine which you are. It depends on the facts of each circumstance.
If you are employed, the business employing you would take care of your tax for the days you work. If you are self-employed, you would be required to file a return each year as a sole trader. It could be different for each job you do, e.g. you could be considered employed in one place and self-employed in another.

MFS2

That sounds like a tough situation to be in. I'd agree with Penguin3029; Revenue will need to be notified if you are doing non PAYE work even though by the sounds of it, any liability will be minimum. Best of luck