Paying someone for a few hours of work only

[Arturo1]

I am planning to pay someone to help me out for a few hours, and would like to know the most simple, economic and legal way of doing so.
Its a one-off bit of work. The person is a former colleague and in full-time employment. I currently pay myself through PAYE and have no other employees.
My preference would be to pay them in cash and leave them to sort any tax liabilities out with HMRC, but I'm unsure if this is acceptable.
Thanks in advance

 

[Scalloway]

It might be covered by the Trading Allowance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tax-free-allowances-on-property-and-trading-income

 

[Newchodge]

If you are employing them you have to put them through PAYE.

 

[Gallows]

You will be fine paying it in the way you'd prefer. It doesn't look like you intend employing them, simply paying for a job done. Lets assume this person could be coming to clean your windows, do your garden, fit some new lights, etc etc you can pay them in any way you see fit.

 

[SteveHa]

Let's assume nothing. The facts will determine status, not assumptions, and we aren't given sufficient facts to answer.

 

[Gallows]

Let's assume nothing. The facts will determine status, not assumptions, and we aren't given sufficient facts to answer.

there is enough info in the op for it to be clear he is not employing them, it therefore doesn't matter what job they do for him. He can pay in any way he likes. As he would with my examples.

 

[Newchodge]

I am planning to pay someone to help me out for a few hours

Not cleaning the windows, not fitting a light. Helping the OP in their business. The OP is already running payroll so, if they are employing someone to help them they have to put them through payroll.

 

[Gallows]

What utter rubbish. Paying someone for a job done is significantly different to employing someone. He is not employing someone, he is paying someone to do a job as you would the examples I mentioned.

 

[Newchodge]

What utter rubbish. Paying someone for a job done is significantly different to employing someone. He is not employing someone, he is paying someone to do a job as you would the examples I mentioned.

The OP didn't ask what lies they would have to tell in order to avoid putting an employee through payroll, so I am at a loss to understand why you are giving them that information.

 

[Gallows]

I am equally at a loss how you consider this person, who he plans to pay for helping him out for a few hours, to be an employee. There are no lies to be told. He is free to pay anyone he wants, to help him out, without having to become an employee. Everyone who does work for an individual or a business does not automatically become an employee. Not sure why you believe that to be the case.

 

[Newchodge]

I am equally at a loss how you consider this person, who he plans to pay for helping him out for a few hours, to be an employee. There are no lies to be told. He is free to pay anyone he wants, to help him out, without having to become an employee. Everyone who does work for an individual or a business does not automatically become an employee. Not sure why you believe that to be the case.

Read the HMRC guidance on what is an employee.

 

[Gallows]

I have, hence my post.
My original advice stands. His proposal of dealing with his scenario is perfectly acceptable.

 

[SteveHa]

Oh, my. You really have no idea, do you. I suggest that you take a look at IR35 legislation, at the CEST, and at the tribunal cases for Uber and Deliveroo before deciding that someone can unilaterally decide that a position is self-employed regardless of the facts.