UK side hustlers must report earnings over £1,000 to HMRC by 31 Jan 2026 or face tax bills.

HMRC is urging UK side hustlers, including Christmas crafters and seasonal market sellers, to check if their earnings exceed £1,000 annually, triggering a need to register for Self Assessment and file a tax return by 31 January 2026. The tax authority’s Help for Hustles campaign clarifies that profit-making sales of handmade goods, upcycled items, or digital content count as taxable trading, unlike selling personal items for decluttering. Combined income from multiple side jobs, such as craft sales and content creation, is included in the threshold. A free online tool on GOV.UK helps determine reporting requirements, and new rules require online platforms to report sellers with 30 or more transactions and earnings over £1,700 annually. Officials warn that failing to report income may lead to unexpected tax bills.