Complete Newbie - Took on contract work without company

[TykeMerc]

There's nothing stopping you doing business direct with clients as a self employed Sole Trader, Self Assessment forms aren't too awful these days.

To contract via agencies you really do need some type of incorporated vehicle, usually those are MyCo Ltd's or Umbrellas, some use Limited Liability Partnerships, but those can be a bit more complicated with some agents not happy about them.

There are plenty of competent accountants that understand contracting, some of them post on here and are up front about it. I find Nixon Williams fine for my business, but there are others as well recommended by the CUK posters.

[ASB]

Speak to hmrc helpline and explain. As it is in effect a one off they may be prepared to accept it is casual income rather than self employment income. If so it can jist be added into the ANY INCOME NOT DECLSRED ELSEWHERE box on the satr whic is even less hassle.