Overview

• Roughly 400,000 UK micro-influencers are being reminded that side earnings over £1,000, including the value of promotional freebies, may require a Self Assessment return.
• Items or experiences received in exchange for content are treated as income that can push creators over the trading allowance and into self-employment registration.
• Example scenario cited by advisers: £800 in cash collaborations plus £430 in gifted goods totals £1,230, triggering the need to declare and pay tax.
• Late-filing penalties start at £100, add £10 per day after three months up to £900, and rise again at six and 12 months, with total charges potentially reaching about £1,600.
• Small unsolicited gifts typically under £50 are usually not taxable; creators are urged to keep clear records and prepare for the 31 January 2026 online filing deadline, with Making Tax Digital quarterly reporting starting April 2026 for £50,000+ qualifying income.