Worked as IT consultant during Uni, what needs to be declared?

[Born2BSlow]

National Insurance Contributions (NICs)

I'm no tax expert but have spent time on HMRC site, my understanding is you won't have earned enough to incur tax or NI. As the tax limits are higher than the NI limits the above CUK link would support my understanding I believe.

[MarillionFan]

I've been a student at University since 07, been doing IT work on the side as a "consultant" getting paid by the hour, and had to invoice them. I've not declared any of it, it's never been more than £2k a year. What should I be doing, I've been reading several threads and hmrc articles but without finding a definite answer. Thanks for any comments. Also ask away if it's not clear enough.

The professional, honest method would be to have a word with your local tax office who will get you to fill in a load of forms and may ask you 'register' as self employed or ask for a self assessment form.

The practical, can't be bothered to do the paperwork and get messed about so at the end of the day I don't pay anything, land up having to fill in forms for years to come which you'll probably forget about and land up with an HMRC fine for nothing would be to say to it.

[jbs]

Ok, so now I fill in the online "Enrol for Self Assessment"? Won't that require a Unique Taxpayer Reference?

[Clare@InTouch]

If your only income during those years was £2,000 then it's right that no tax would be due, but I'd advise HMRC of it anyway to save yourself any trouble at a later date (on the off chance they discover you via an investigation into your clients). From this year HMRC will impose a penalty for the late filing of a tax return whether tax is due or not.

You'll be exempt from self employed NI as your earnings are below the lower limit.

[BrilloPad]

IMO don't declate it - no tax owing and you have not been asked to submit a return.

I hope you have your NI sorted out though....

[jbs]

I've been a student at University since 07, been doing IT work on the side as a "consultant" getting paid by the hour, and had to invoice them. I've not declared any of it, it's never been more than £2k a year. What should I be doing, I've been reading several threads and hmrc articles but without finding a definite answer. Thanks for any comments. Also ask away if it's not clear enough.