A couple of freelance /self employed questions please.

[Wearegoingtobedlehem]

Hi there,

After struggling with the work/life balance - and monotony of my last job- I am absolutely sure I want to go self employed. I am aware of the negative aspects as hubby is self employed. But I have two questions;

1. I would like to be a virtual pa- but I would also like to continue some things that I have done previously - freelance groom/ horse clipping/ dog walking/ house sitting. Is it possibly to get insurance which would encompass all these things?
   
2. would doing so many things confuse the living day lights out of hmrc?
   
3. I have one bank and one agency contract which are paye that I would like to keep- is that ok?

[dodobookends]

1. Can't help re insurance, sorry.
   
2. You just register as self-employed once, and can put your occupation down as whatever is closest to what you actually do; eg. if you earn the most from PA work then put that. You then treat your entire self-employment as one set of earnings, however you have earned it.
   
3. You can remain an employee and be self-employed at the same time, tax returns have a space for earnings from both.

[Wearegoingtobedlehem]

Dodo polenta, thank you so much for your reply. I think I need to learn quite a bit about becoming tax efficient. Also would I need a business account or just a separate current account?
Many thanks

[Wearegoingtobedlehem]

Dodo polenta, thank you so much for your reply. I think I need to learn quite a bit about becoming tax efficient. Also would I need a business account or just a separate current account?
Many thanks

[dodobookends]

You don't actually need a separate bank account, but depending on your income and outgoings it might be easier to keep business and personal transactions separate by having two accounts. You can then have the account in the business name if you want to. The only downside is that bank charges can be higher for business accounts - you could just have another personal account (and accidentally forget to mention to the bank that you are using it for your business)

[alexthedog]

Try Cliverton insurance for dog walking etc.

[Wearegoingtobedlehem]

Thanks alexthedog- they have given a good quote for the whole lot X

[AlpacaLypse]

Looks like you've already got most of your answers . I came on to say that most of my dog walking people are already doing exactly what you are and very successfully too!

[museumum]

The last insurance form I filled out asked me for % of time devoted to each type of work.
Do you need insurance to virtual pa?
The other things could all be rolled together as animal care couldn't they?

[swisschocolate]

Do you need insurance to virtual pa?

You would need indemnity insurance in case you balls up and they sue you.

[Wearegoingtobedlehem]

I'm glad you have mentioned the insurance as virtual pa- I will be doing this via agency so will check directly with them whether they cover me or I need my own insurance

It's all slowly starting to come together