Self-employed yoga teacher tax in the UK: a plain-English guide
How income tax, National Insurance and the £1,000 trading allowance work for self-employed yoga, Pilates and personal training instructors in the UK.
If you teach yoga, Pilates or personal training on a freelance basis in the UK, HMRC treats you as self-employed. That means you're responsible for reporting your own income, working out what tax you owe, and paying it on time — usually through a Self Assessment tax return each January.
This guide walks through the essentials in plain English: what counts as income, what you can deduct, how much tax you'll typically owe, and the deadlines to know.
When do I need to register as self-employed?
You must register with HMRC for Self Assessment if your self-employed income (before expenses) is more than £1,000 in a tax year. The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. Register by 5 October following the end of your first tax year of trading.
The £1,000 trading allowance
If your total self-employed income is under £1,000, you don't need to tell HMRC. If you earn a bit more, you can either deduct real expenses or claim the flat £1,000 trading allowance — whichever gives you a lower taxable profit.
How much tax will I pay?
For the 2025/26 tax year, most people get a £12,570 personal allowance, then pay 20% up to £50,270, 40% up to £125,140, and 45% above that. On top of income tax you'll pay Class 4 National Insurance at 6% between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above that.
A rough rule of thumb: set aside around 25–30% of your profit for tax and National Insurance if you earn below the higher-rate threshold. Namastax shows you a live estimate as you log classes and expenses, so you always know what to hold back.
What expenses can I claim?
- Studio hire and room rental
- Music licences (PPL PRS)
- Professional insurance (public liability, indemnity)
- Yoga Alliance / REPs / CIMSPA membership fees
- CPD courses, workshops and training
- Props: mats, blocks, straps, resistance bands
- Website, booking software and accounting apps
- Mileage between teaching venues (45p per mile for the first 10,000)
Key deadlines
- 5 October: register for Self Assessment for the prior tax year
- 31 January: file online return and pay the balance owed
- 31 July: second payment on account (if applicable)
Missing the January deadline triggers a £100 automatic penalty even if you owe nothing. Set a reminder — or let Namastax nudge you.