Tax Implications for Art Exhibit

[Minnesota3]

Hi there,

I am a hobby artist (e.g. I enjoy it but have never made money from it). I've been asked to show my work at a local gallery, where they they would be for sale.

I'm trying to figure out what this means from a tax/Tier 2 visa perspective, any advice would be appreciated!

Thoughts/considerations:

1. I'm unlikely to make much - if any - profit, after printing, framing... maybe £500 absolute maximum.
2. My spouse (married) is a UK citizen - could I avoid implications if any profits went to them instead, if they were essentially selling my photos with my permission?
3. If the above fail, would donating any profits to a charity be an option?

It seems like a really small amount of *potential* profit to be concerned, but I don't want to get myself into any hot water without meaning to...

[CR001]

You cannot be self employed, in any capacity. Any income has to be declared to HMRC.

This problem wouldn't exist if you were on a spouse settlement visa though.

[Minnesota3]

Thanks CR001. I think that was my question as I'm not meeting the definition of "self employment" as defined on the HMRC website any more than selling an old laptop or something would be... I don't have an online store, or Etsy site or anything like that, so I'm not sure when that definition kicks in.

Also, under scenario 2 or 3, if the income went to my partner or a charity, why would that be an issue?

Just trying to understand the rationale, any info would be much appreciated!

[iworker]

if the money didnt come to you, i dont see any reason u could be implicated for doing anything wrong.

[eduleal]

Interesting discussion.

Not sure it's legally self-employment.
If you sold a used bike on ebay - what would be the tax implications on that? Why is a £500 painting different, bearing in mind it's a one off?

A friend of mine from the US on a tier 2 visa has a band.
It's his hobby. His day job is with his sponsor.
They practice on weekends and occasionally - maybe once a month? - they play live in bars in London. Not for the money, but sometimes the venue will pay him drinks or maybe some money from the entry fees.

If he ever gets paid a few quid from one of the venues he plays in - would that be considered self-employment?

[paradoxical]

Gift your paintings to your spouse. And now if they are sold, she gets the money. I don't see how this could be a problem in this case.