I am considering offering a craft course for kids 1-2 days per month. Since it wouldn't be a huge money maker, I am wondering what the tax regulations would be. I would also have 1 other "Partner" helping, so the money would actually be divided. Can anyone help me or give me a link to where I should start looking? I checked through some of the posts, but I think they are more above my league. I really think that we would average about 200 per session- divided by 2 people (~2400-3000 total per year) Thanks!

You would simply put the income down as income from self employment, on your tax return in early 2012.

I have been looking through the forums and this is the topic that is similar my own situation. I am looking to turn my hobby into a very small gift business (I would not expect turnover to exceed 5000 CHF in the 1st year).
I hope that someone can offer some advise.

My questions are -

Do I need to let anyone know that I am starting a small business?

Do I need any form of insurance as I will be dealing with children as well as adults? I know in the UK I would need public liability insurance but have no idea about here.

Do I just add any earning that I have made onto my husbands tax return form?

I currently do not work and hold a B permit.

Thank you in advance for any advise you can give me on this topic.

<<Do I need to let anyone know that I am starting a small business?>>

No! But you would have to pay social security premiums on the earnings - Register with AHV; there is a PDF form that you can download. Plus you would simply add this income in your tax declaration minus expenses.

<<Do I need any form of insurance as I will be dealing with children as well as adults? I know in the UK I would need public liability insurance but have no idea about here.>>

Insurance is advisable, but not compulsory. If you have private liability insurance, check with the insurers, if it is covered for a 'small' commercial activity, as you have mentioned. Otherwise premiums could well cross your actual earnings.

<<Do I just add any earning that I have made onto my husbands tax return form?>>
You can (should) submit your own tax returns

<<I currently do not work and hold a B permit.>>

If the permit has any restriction on it (employment/business etc. prohibited), you will have to have it endorsed, to mention that you may be self-employed; Should not be difficult.

Yes. You just add it to your husband's return. There is no need to do your own return.

If your married in CH do you have to do a joint tax return?

They are big on family tax returns. So if you are married then yes I'm 98% sure that you have to file jointly.

Anyway, "hobby money" does not justify having a separate income tax return. There is a line on the family return to list this type of income.

When we enquired, our accountant told us that whatever I do would be classified as a hobby until I earned about 50'000 chf and should just be included in my husbands return when we lodge as a family.

I just thought if your hobby was making a lot of money, you might not wish to tell your husband

so that will be hubby money then?

Thanks everyone for your replies you have been a big help.

I was thinking the non working wife's spending allowance might get cut!

Well, I did meet a woman who's hobby was gambling. I've been told she was quite good at it apparently. She used to gamble in Divonne where she had an account she hid from her husband. Every now & then she would bring home some antique or another. Never cash. And would tell her husband found a bargain at the flea markets. Her husband thought her hobby was antiquing.

Is that another name for "stuffing the mattress"?

Does earning a hobby money by a so far a non-working wife, make the pair doppelverdiener?

Michał