United Kingdom
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Side Hustle Tax Checker for UK Students

Check whether you need to tell the tax office about side income, and get a rough idea of the tax.

Figures last checked 7 October 2026

An estimate, not tax advice. Figures are for the 2026 to 2027 tax year (6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027) and were checked against GOV.UK on 7 October 2026. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.

Side income this tax year, before costs

Everything you received from self-employment or casual work, such as tutoring, deliveries or paid design work.

Costs of earning it (optional)

Money you spent to earn the income, such as materials or equipment. It is only used if you claim your costs instead of the allowance.

Other income this tax year (optional)

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Side income this tax year, before costs

Everything you received from self-employment or casual work, such as tutoring, deliveries or paid design work.

Costs of earning it (optional)

Money you spent to earn the income, such as materials or equipment. It is only used if you claim your costs instead of the allowance.

Other income this tax year (optional)

For example from a job. It is used to estimate the tax on your side income.

This income comes from my employer, from a company I own or control, or from a partnership. I live in Scotland.

Enter your side income to see the result.

How this checker works

The trading allowance covers up to £1,000 a year of income from self-employment, casual services such as babysitting or gardening, and hiring out personal equipment.
If your gross income from these is within the allowance, you generally do not need to tell HMRC. Keep a record of what you earned. There are exceptions, for example if you want to claim a loss.
If it is more than the allowance, you register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the tax year ends. You then either use the allowance, which takes up to £1,000 off your income, or deduct your actual costs. You cannot do both.
The allowance cannot be used for income from a company you or someone connected to you owns or controls, a partnership you or someone connected to you is part of, or your employer.
The Personal Allowance is £12,570 for the tax year. It is separate from the trading allowance.
The tax estimate adds your taxable side profit to your other income and applies the 20% and 40% rates for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The basic rate applies up to £50,270 of income.

What it does not include

National Insurance, which can apply to self-employed profits.
Student loan repayments, which can depend on your income.
Scottish rates, and total income above £100,000, where the Personal Allowance starts to reduce.
Losses, other reliefs and allowances, and benefits.

If you are on a Student visa, check your visa's work conditions before you earn money.

Sources

Figures last checked on 7 October 2026. They change, so check the official source before you act.

Read the guide: do UK students pay tax on side hustle money?

Also available for: US

This calculator gives estimates for general information. It is not financial, legal or tax advice.