Is it a hobby or a trade?

Many people will have hobbies they do for leisure, which they have started to make some money from. For example, buying and selling online or setting up stalls at local markets, car boot sales etc

However, if you establish a regular pattern of making money in this way, which exceeds your actual costs, you probably need to consider if your hobby is a business that you need to declare to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC follows a number of guidelines called 'the badges of trade that help them reach a conclusion: is it a part-time hobby, that creates an income stream or a business that needs to be declared on an annual self-assessment tax return? 

As there are many criteria to be taken into account, please call us on 0208 213 3100 if you are concerned your hobby may be considered a trade, we can help you investigate and support you with any further help you may need.

Date published 2 May 2019 | Last updated 26 May 2021

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.