Is it worth registering myself as self employed?

[SendYourLetter]

This is a probably stupid question but I'm worried about messing this up. I'm 18 years old and have been doing freelance programming for free of charge since I left school. Now I'm starting up a webdesign business but as of yet all my work has been for free as I'm trying to build up a portfolio.

Some time in the future I'll be charging for my services but right now I don't know if I should register myself as self employed as I'm earning no money at this moment in time so will I have to pay any sort of special tax on being self employed even though I'm earning nothing?

 

[Scalloway]

You only pay tax if you are making a profit. If the business is just a hobby at the you only need to register when you do your first job for money.

 

[rayvellest]

That's not my specialty, but since I've been in your place before, I would recommend starting to trade under the brand name of your choice and registering yourself as self-employed. Later on, when you start taking on significant large projects, make the move to a limited company. Either way, I strongly advise you to talk to an accountant before making a move.

 

[Karimbo]

This is a probably stupid question but I'm worried about messing this up. I'm 18 years old and have been doing freelance programming for free of charge since I left school. Now I'm starting up a webdesign business but as of yet all my work has been for free as I'm trying to build up a portfolio.

Some time in the future I'll be charging for my services but right now I don't know if I should register myself as self employed as I'm earning no money at this moment in time so will I have to pay any sort of special tax on being self employed even though I'm earning nothing?

when you get your first paid gig you should register for self assessment.