Starting Freelance - Legal Requirements?

[BetterOnACamel]

Hello,
Having recently settled in the UK, my grasp of the legalities/taxation requirements is a bit limited. Could anyone advise me whether I need to take any official steps if just informally providing graphic design, content writing, communication strategy services online? I don't expect an income of more than £1,000 some months, down to £50 other months.
Have been looking around the net but can't figure out what applies to me as an individual, working out of my living room basically and not really making too much from it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

bump

You need to register as self-employed with HMRC (tax office), then every year fill out a tax return detailing your income etc. so that you can pay the appropriate amount of tax and national insurance (generally 20% tax; 9% NI). On top of this, you should also register to pay Class 2 NI contributions of £2.50 per week (this ensures you remain eligible to receive UK state pension etc.).

The best source of advice is the Business Link website - it details everything you need to know. The tax office also run workshops for the newly self-employed which tell you about your obligations and give advice on how to keep records etc.

Hope that helps.

Thank you cakeaddict! May you never be short of a slice.