Do Yoga Teachers Need to Pay Tax on Side Income?

Many yoga teachers earn money from a mix of classes, workshops, retreats, and online teaching, often alongside a PAYE job. If you're earning extra income from yoga, it's essential to understand when HMRC expects you to declare it, especially if it falls under "side income" or self-employment.

This short guide explains the £1,000 Trading Allowance, when yoga teachers need to register for Self Assessment, and what HMRC counts as "trading."

Did You Earn More Than £1,000 From Yoga Last Tax Year?

If your total yoga income was over £1,000 between 6 April and 5 April each year, HMRC may require you to register it.

This includes income from:

• Studio or community classes
• Private yoga sessions
• Workshops, mentoring, teacher training
• Online or Zoom teaching
• Retreats and day events
• Corporate or workplace yoga
• Teaching cover work
• Recorded content or online memberships

All of this counts as providing a service.

If your total yoga income was £1,000 or less, you don't need to tell HMRC.

What If You Earn More Than £1,000?

Yoga teaching usually counts as trading, so you may need to register as self-employed.

Register for Self Assessment

You must register as a sole trader by 5 October following the end of the tax year.

Registration allows you to:

• File a Self Assessment tax return
• Report your yoga income
• Claim allowable expenses (equipment, travel, CPD, props, etc.)
• Pay any tax and National Insurance due

Your tax depends on your total income across yoga + PAYE work.

Tax applies only to income above the £12,570 personal allowance.

HMRC uses total income, not profit, to decide if you exceed the £1,000 threshold.

You can register for Self Assessment here.

Does It Matter if You Teach Through Apps or Online?

No. The rules are the same whether you teach:

• Via booking apps
• On Zoom or online platforms
• Through YouTube
• In studios
• On your own website

If you earned over £1,000 in total, check whether you need to register for Self Assessment. You can check here.

Common Questions for Yoga Teachers

"I have a PAYE job, doesn't HMRC sort this automatically?"

No. PAYE only covers your employer's income. You must report yoga income separately.

"I get a payslip from a studio, am I covered?"

Only that specific PAYE income is covered.

If the rest of your yoga income exceeds £1,000, you may still need to register.

"Can I earn £1,000 from classes AND £1,000 from workshops tax-free?"

No. The £1,000 Trading Allowance applies to all your yoga income combined.

"What happens if I don't register?"

HMRC can charge penalties and interest for undeclared income.

"Should I keep records?"

Yes. Keep notes of income, expenses, bookings, retreats, and cash payments. It makes tax returns easier and supports your business growth.

"What if I didn't declare yoga income in previous years?"

You can make a voluntary disclosure. HMRC is usually more lenient when people come forward themselves.

Final Thoughts

Whether you teach one class a week or run a full yoga business, yoga income is taxable.

If you earned more than £1,000 last year, take a moment to check whether you need to register for Self Assessment. It keeps your teaching professional, compliant, and set up for long-term sustainability.

Everyone must follow the same HMRC rules, regardless of whether your students find you through an app, social media, or word of mouth.