Overview
- HMRC’s Help for Hustles campaign reminds market traders and platform sellers that the £1,000 trading allowance is an aggregate annual threshold across all activities.
- Exceeding the threshold requires registering for Self Assessment as a sole trader, with HMRC warning of penalties and interest for failing to declare taxable trading.
- Officials stress that registering does not automatically mean extra tax because the £12,570 personal allowance and allowable expenses can reduce any liability.
- Coverage highlights rapid growth in second‑hand and side‑hustle activity, including rising interest in “Vinted pros” and festive “Thriftmas” selling that can push sellers over the limit.
- Reports conflict on filing deadlines, with some citing January 31, 2026 for the previous tax year and others pointing to January 2027 for 2025–26, so readers are directed to GOV.UK for the correct dates.