self employed cleaner

[Jesscleans]

Hi there i am going to be in the next week or so, a self employed domestic cleaner in the b31 area of birmingham. I am looking for 16hrs worth of work and already have 13 hrs. Would anyone have any advise on becoming self employed? what records will i need to keep for proof of earnings when being paid cash? do i really need a business bank account as i will be a sole trader not a business (just yet, want to find my footings first), and is there anything else i should take into consideration regarding self employment?? any advice would be greatly appreciated :) Jessica x

Have you got insurance?

Not as yet, i do believe i will need to get liability insurance for if i break something in someones home. it is on my to-do list, which is as long as my arm :)

You need to register with HMRC as self employed.
Issue receipts for cash you receive and keep receipts for supplies you purchase. Keep your petrol receipts as you will be able claim some of that.
Look into finding an accountant who can give you some advice about what you can put against tax.
Finally put away what you will need to pay in tax every time you are paid so that this time next year the money is sitting waiting to pay your tax bill.

There is some quite useful information on the hmrc website, it will explain what records to keep etc. sorry I can't link, am on phone, but go to hmrc.gov.uk and go to the self employed section under 'individuals'.

Well a sole trader is still a "business". You don't "need" a business bank account (they tend to cost) but I would strongly suggest a separate bank account (even if this is just a second personal account) so that you can keep income/expenditure separate and if you ever have to show bank statements to anyone you can keep some personal expenses private.

Our old cleaner had a spreadsheet for every client and each week when she comes you simply complete the next line of the spreadsheet showing how many hours she has done and what she has been paid. This works quite well.

One thing to think about is that a business bank account statement may help you to get an account with a cash n carry or trade supplier which may be better prices for your equipment,cleaning products etc - some banks offer a free trial with a business account (MY DH had one with lloyds for about 18 months and then cancelled it at the point when they would start charging).

Second HMRC website. Don't forget to register as self-employed with them (think you have 3 months) and to check whether you need to pay class 2 NIC's or supply a small earnings exemption document.

Good luck - I wish you were covering an area about 45 miles further east - we'd snap up your last 3 hours pw!

Thank you to everyone for your advice, its all very helpful :) and to sarahbumbarer- thanks for your advice and you never know in the upcoming months i may expand into your area lol- you never know :)

Thanks again everyone xx