A Simple Guide to Getting Started as a Self-Employed Young Worker

If you’re starting to earn money from jobs like dog-walking, baking, design work, tutoring, helping at events or supporting a small business, you’re not alone. More young people are running businesses of their own: it’s a brilliant way to learn skills, earn extra money and build confidence. You never know it could grow from a simple side hustle into a serious money spinner!

But it can also be confusing.

Do you need to register with HMRC?

Do you need special software?

What’s allowed if you’re under 16?

And what actually counts as self-employment?

To make things easier, I’ve created a simple guide that walks you through the key points without any complicated jargon. It’s designed to help you feel confident, organised and clear about what you need to do... and what you don’t.

What you’ll learn in the guide

Inside the downloadable PDF, you’ll find:

• What it means to work on a self-employed basis (page 2)

• How to keep basic records (page 3)

• What must go on an invoice, plus a sample you can copy (page 4)

• The rules for under-16s: safety, hours and tax (page 5–6)

• The rules for over-16s: safety, hours and tax, plus National Insurance (page 7–8)

• Simple FAQs like cash payments, expenses and when software will be needed (page 10)

It gives you the basics so you can get on with the fun part... doing the work and getting paid.

Guidance for self employed young workers.pdf

Download PDF • 8.70MB

Sneak preview...

I also have two alternative guides split into Under 16s and Over 16s.

A sample invoice you can use

Here's a downloadable sample invoice you can customise with your name, address and payment details. It shows you exactly what needs to be on it so you can send clear, professional invoices from day one.

You can personalise it if you want to — add branding, colour or a short thank-you message. These aren’t required, but they’ll make you stand out as a young professional.

2025_001 Invoice NAME.doc

Download DOC • 40KB

Remember... you don’t have to figure everything out alone

Even when you’re self-employed, you’re not expected to know everything straight away. If you’re unsure about something, there are always people who can help:

• A parent or guardian They can help you keep notes, understand the basics and make sure you’re staying on top of things like safety, time, and getting paid correctly.

• Your supervisor or the person you’re working for They should be clear about what they need from you, what tasks are safe and suitable for your age, and what work they expect you to complete. If anything feels confusing or unsafe, it’s absolutely OK to ask.

• And if you need clarity on the rules You can always reach out to me. I’m here to make the tax and paperwork side simple, and there are no silly questions... everyone starts somewhere.

For Businesses who subcontract young workers

If you’re hiring a young person on a self-employed basis — whether that’s a student helping you at events, or a young person providing a service to your business — this guide is something you can share with them to help set expectations.

It explains:

• The key points around self-employment

• When a young person does or doesn’t need to register with HMRC

• What simple records they should keep

• Safety and suitability rules for under-16s

• How to invoice you correctly

• What changes once they turn 16

It may also help to send your young worker a short purchase order. This outlines the work or goods you’re requesting — dates, rate, hours or quantities. They can then copy this onto their invoice so everything matches clearly.

It helps everyone stay on the same page, keeps things clear, and avoids misunderstandings about what’s required.