Press Release
For immediate release
Tax deadline warning as 2 in 5 Brits earn thousands per year from side hustles
30, January, 2026, LONDON –
Experts are warning Brits to check their tax liability ahead of the HMRC self-assessment deadline on 31 January, as new research by personal finance site Finder reveals that almost 2 in 5 UK adults (39%) are earning more than £20 a week on average from their side hustle. This means they could exceed the £1,000 yearly trading allowance.
The research also reveals that 46% of Brits are making at least some money from a side hustle in 2026, up from 39% in 2025.
A side hustle is defined as any casual job or business separate from your main job that aims to earn you extra income and the average income for a side hustle is now £872 a month.
The main motivation for having a side hustle is a need for extra money to cover the day-to-day cost of living, given by 28% of side hustlers. Other popular motivations included building wealth for the future and saving for a specific financial goal such as buying a house (14%).
The younger generations in particular are earning big from side hustles, so should be aware of the upcoming deadline with HMRC. 3 in 5 from generation Z (60%) and 55% of millennials reported earning £20 a week or more from side hustles on average.
Kate Steere, personal finance expert at the comparison site Finder, said:
“Make sure you’re not caught out by your side hustle. The online Self-Assessment deadline is fast approaching, and all it takes is earning more than £80 a month before you exceed your £1,000 tax-free allowance. Last year, more than 1 million people missed the deadline to file their tax return. It’s important to be aware that a late filing penalty of £100 applies and additional fines or interest payments may apply the later you pay your tax bill.
“To make sure things go smoothly, have your records to hand, including platform summaries (Etsy, Vinted, etc.). While you’re at it, why not give your future self a break by opening a dedicated business account? Separating your personal finances from your side hustle income will make the whole process that much smoother this time next year.”
###
For further press information
- Matt Mckenna
- UK PR Manager
- M: +44 747 921 7816
- T: +44 20 3828 1338
- matt.mckenna@finder.com
Disclaimer
The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com's review pages for the current correct values.
About finder.com
finder.com is a personal finance website, which helps consumers compare products online so they can make better informed decisions. Consumers can visit the website to compare utilities, mortgages, credit cards, insurance products, shopping voucher codes, and so much more before choosing the option that best suits their needs.
Best of all, finder.com is completely free to use. We’re not a bank or insurer, nor are we owned by one, and we are not a product issuer or a credit provider. We’re not affiliated with any one institution or outlet, so it’s genuine advice from a team of experts who care about helping you find better.
finder.com launched in the UK in February 2017 and is privately owned and self-funded by two Australian entrepreneurs – Fred Schebesta and Frank Restuccia – who successfully grew finder.com.au to be Australia's most visited personal finance website (Source: Experian Hitwise).