Hi, thanks for your reply. Indeed it does sound like you are in a very similar situation to me! Its very frustrating, and as you say, it seems nobody actually knows what they are talking about. I totally agree with you about the "robbery" of paying despite earnings, and also, like you, I can't afford to pay 250EUR+ for the right to earn money honestly! However, I was told that since I live outside the UK more than 180 days in a year I am obliged to sort out all my tax and books etc. in Spain and cannot do it in the UK. I'm still waiting to find out if I can indeed earn up to 3000 EUR with out paying SS and registering with hacienda, just the companies paying the tax... Though I don't know how that would work with the IVA + I.R.PF that I think I have to pay... It seems impossible to get any sound and useful advice!