Competition winnings

[Geilenk]

I have won two amounts of money this year - for writing competitions in a magasine. £200 + £500. Is this taxable income? I am guessing so, but didn't even think of that when I entered! I work full time, so do pay tax.

no its under £1000

Winnings from writing competitions are a massive grey area in terms of taxable or not.

https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/business-income-manual/bim50710

Essentially, it depends on your circumstances - if you’re a professional writer then it could be counted as income and should be declared as such; but if you are a hobbyist and entered in that capacity then it may not count as income.

even if you’re a professional writer, if that’s all you earned then as it’s less than £1000 you wouldn’t owe tax on it anyway.

Its less than £1000 so no. Gambling winnings aren't taxable but writing competitions aren't exactly the same as a competition where it is a gamble if you win or not.

@Geilenk well done. May I ask which magazines!