Running a business from home

Reginald · 14 Jul 2009 at 16:01

Heya guys,

Not wanting legal advice...just want to know how others went about doing this...

I am hoping to set up an online business from home and have been looking into various things I need...data protection etc.

Spoke to the council this morning with regards to something I read on the business link website: "check permits and planning permission from local authority"

I will not be having any people employed/coming and going from the location as it is my house and it will purely be done online and by phone. They said I probably won't need a permit but need to pay £75 to find out anyway. Has anyone here been through this? Done it/not done it.

Be interested to hear what your outcome was.

Thanks

Mr Jack · 14 Jul 2009 at 16:46

What are you going to do from home? If it's all computer-based stuff, you don't require a permit.

Skidder · 14 Jul 2009 at 16:51

My business is based at home and never went for a permit. I sell my time, I guess a physical product would be different.

Reginald · 14 Jul 2009 at 17:12

Well the main hub is the website, so no office as such and would be getting information from people and putting together documents for them. The document they receive is the product. It's all done by email and phone. Bits can be posted to them if they request. Thanks for your answers

BigT · 14 Jul 2009 at 17:49

I don't know specifically, but nearly every contractor I've ever worked with has a sole trader or limited company that has their home as the registered business address (although often the accountant's for legal stuff). They worked form home from time to time producing documents. None have ever needed any sort of permit or anything like that. Unless you're employing staff I doubt you have to do anything tbh.

It'll be of greater importance to get the legal and financial side of things sorted out properly from the start if you're serious. VAT registration, PAYE and company registation, professional indemnity insurance etc. Best way to avoid tax I believe is to make it a limited company and pay yourself minimum director's wage and then pay yourself monthly dividends. Ensure you involve your long term partner if you have one as you can take advantage of their tax allowances etc.