I have no idea what I'm doing...

[happyhopefulmummy]

I have always worked through an employer. I've given up my job since having my baby, as my employer wasn't sympathetic about part time work.

I now have an opportunity to do some work for a friend that owns her own company. just basic admin stuff really, at about £10 an hour, but it means I can work from home and not pay childcare. the hours will change week by week.

She says I have to register as self-employed. ie, I'm guessing she doesn't want to officially employ me and be responsible for my NI, PAYE etc etc.

However, will I be able to register as self-employed and only do work for her? What other options do I have?

I know I'll have to fill in a tax return, which is fine, but am I better off not registering as self-employed and just filling in a tax return? I would like to have another baby in the next 18 months and so working like this would mean I could get a little bit of maternity allowance in the future.

I am lost. Someone please help me!!!

Hi happyhopeful

I am going through the same thing (down to the unsympathetic previous employer)

Google is your friend!

Here's what you need to do:

1. Decide if you want to be a ltd company or sole trader. Sounds like you're looking at sole trader which is probably right for what you'll be doing.
2. Register yourself (all the details online)
3. You may wish to have an accountant do all your paperwork for you. It depends how much you'll earn and whether you're happy to do it yourself or not. I am paying an accountant but am setting up a ltd company.
4. You will need to be paying NI to be eligible for maternity allowance so will need to make sure you're all set up.

Hope that helps?

Good luck!