up vote 3 down vote favorite
Share on Facebook

I've started to generate a small amount of revenue on my website, I'm obviously tracking my income and expenses, but I'm not certain whether I need to declare this income to Inland Revenue.

Is there a threshold of earnings before I need to declare? and do I deduct my expenses from the income?

link|flag

31% accept rate

3 Answers

up vote 4 down vote

I am not an accountant, but I do run a business in the UK and my understanding is that it's a threshold thing, which I believe is £2,500.

Assuming you don't currently have to submit self assessment, and your additional income from all sources other than employment (for which you already pay tax) is less than £2,500, you don't have to declare it.

Above this level you have to submit self assessment.

More information can be found here

I also find that HMRC are quite helpful - give them a call and ask.

link|flag
Thanks for the link, I may be missing something, but didn't see anything on that page that mentions additional income. I did see mention of savings, investment and property though. – Rich Seller Jan 15 at 21:50
So - I'm not sure - but I think it's the same for any other income. – Yossi Dahan Jan 15 at 22:29
up vote 1 down vote

Not sure about the UK, but if it were in the US you need to realize the expenses can be claimed as much as the income.

After having a mild heart attack when I did my business taxes the first time many years ago, a Small Business Administration adviser pointed it out.

You are running the site from a computer? Deductible on an amortization schedule. Do you work from home? Electricity can be deducted. Do you drive at all? Did you pay yourself a wage? Any paperwork, fax communications, bank fees that you had to endure as work expenses?

I am not an accountant, but chances are you legally lost quite a bit more than you made in a new web venture. Discuss it with an accountant for the details and more importantly the laws in your country. I could be off my rocker.

link|flag
up vote 0 down vote

Income is income... it depends how it's structured.. personal or corporate.. but still you need to pay taxes... if you get audited, the tax man could look at your bank statements and ask, "where is this money coming from"

link|flag
I don't think it as simple as that. I understand that tax is liable for profits not income. Do you have any reference to support your statement? – Rich Seller Dec 7 '09 at 15:57
1  
Hmmm... the question would be.. who receives the income, individual or corporation... are they required to report the income.. if the company is offshore, maybe not... BTW.. I assumed the question was related to income meaning profits.. Obviously if you're running at 0 profits or a loss tax isn't an issue. I would refer the reader to their tax consultant. – montyloree Dec 8 '09 at 18:39
Income = Revenue - Expenses, so Income is profits. – Scott W. Jan 16 at 0:01

Your Answer

get an OpenID
or
never shown

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.