Whether getting paid for work or selling art, it is a legal requirement to become self-employed – but what does this mean? Artists are often asked for a bewildering range of information to get paid – VAT registration numbers, self employment number, National Insurance number and more – but finding out what this information is, and why you need it, can be a difficult process.

People with full- or part-time jobs who are paid by companies, and whose income tax is deducted from their pay, also have a National Insurance (NI) payment deducted as well.

If you have been earning money from sales or other activities outside regular employment and have not registered as self employed, then you have three calendar months to notify HMRC before you are subject to a penalty.

The New Enterprise Allowance is available for people who are claiming JobSeeker's Allowance and are looking to move into self employment or start a business, working at least 16 hours per week on average, and expect your work to last at least 5 weeks.

To register, you will need to contact your tax office and request your Unique Taxpayer Reference number (UTR) – this is the number you need to quote on invoices for your self-employed work so you can get paid without the organisation paying you taking off tax and paying it to HMRC on your behalf.

Artists and craftspeople, like any other person living and working in the UK, have to ensure they pay the correct amount of tax on their earnings.

The UK's benefits system provides practical and financial help for people looking for work.