# What is the £1,000 trading allowance?

> Quick answer · Last updated 6 April 2026

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## In short

A tax-free allowance for casual self-employed or side-hustle income up to £1,000 a year — no need to register with HMRC or file a return for that income alone.

If your total trading or miscellaneous income for the tax year is £1,000 or less, you do not need to declare it or register for Self Assessment. This covers things like occasional freelancing, online selling, tutoring and odd jobs.

Above £1,000 you must register for Self Assessment. You can then either deduct your actual expenses or claim the £1,000 allowance as a flat deduction — whichever is more generous — but you cannot do both.

The trading allowance is separate from the £1,000 property allowance, which covers casual income from land or property. You can use both in the same tax year.

## Related

- [Work & self-employment guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/work-earnings/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/guidance/tax-free-allowances-on-property-and-trading-income

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.