Tax returns for tutors and teachers.
Private tutors, music teachers and teachers with extra self-employed income. Teachers with a payslip and a side business still need to report the extra income.
What to know
Teachers with a payslip and a side business still need to report the extra income.
We combine your PAYE income with your tuition earnings and claim the costs of running your teaching.
Costs you can usually claim
- Books, resources and teaching materials
- Software, subscriptions and online platform fees
- Part of home costs if you teach from home
- Travel to students
- Insurance and DBS checks
- Marketing and website costs
Authorised and regulated
Is Cheap Tax Returns authorised and regulated? Yes.
Your return is prepared by qualified UK accountants holding qualifications from the leading accountancy bodies: ICAEW, ACCA and AAT. We are also on the ICAEW approved employers list, so you can file with confidence.
Regulated by the professional bodies. Reviewed by qualified accountants. Part of Accotax.
Prepared by accountants you can trust.
In depth
Tax returns for tutors and teachers: what to know
Private tutoring, online lessons and teaching alongside a job can all create a Self Assessment duty.
Do I need a tax return for private tutoring?
If your tutoring income is above £1,000 in a tax year, you need to register for Self Assessment. This applies whether you tutor in person or online, and even if you also have a teaching job taxed through payroll.
What costs can tutors and teachers claim?
Books and teaching resources, software and online platform fees, DBS checks, professional insurance, a share of home costs, travel between pupils, training and accountancy fees. Employed teachers can also claim approved union and professional subscriptions.
How does the trading allowance work for tutors?
You can deduct the £1,000 trading allowance instead of actual costs. If your genuine expenses are higher, claiming those gives a lower profit, so we work out which method gives a lower bill.
What if I teach for an agency or school and also tutor privately?
Payroll income and self-employed tutoring are reported separately on the same return. Your employer handles tax on the teaching salary, and you handle tax on your tutoring profit.
Why use Cheap Tax Returns for tutors and teachers?
Cheap Tax Returns is part of Accotax, a UK accountancy practice. Our fees are fixed and quoted in writing before we start, the return is prepared by an accountant and checked before filing, and we work online with clients anywhere in the UK. Our team holds ICAEW, ACCA and AAT credentials. For a free quote call 0203 4411 258 or email [email protected].
At a glance
Tutors and teachers at a glance
Claimable costs
- Books, resources and software
- DBS checks and insurance
- Travel between pupils
- Share of home and broadband costs
Records to keep
- Lesson and payment records
- Platform fee statements
- Receipts for resources
- Mileage for in-person lessons
Common mistakes
- Not registering for tutoring income
- Claiming personal books
- Ignoring cash payments
- Missing the 31 January payment
Questions, answered.
Yes, but you may benefit from the £1,000 trading allowance if your income is small.
If your self-employed income is more than £1,000, you need to register for Self Assessment.
If total tutoring income exceeds £1,000 in the tax year, yes you must report it. Below that, the trading allowance may mean no tax.
Yes, the business share, usually through capital allowances. Keep a note of personal use.
Teachers can claim relief on approved union and professional subscriptions and some work-related costs.
Know your price before we start.
- Fixed fee confirmed in writing before any work begins
- ICAEW, ACCA and AAT-qualified accountants
- Filed with HMRC and confirmed, so you have proof
- A real person on the phone: 0203 4411 258