Setting up a really small business

[Viv]

A while ago, when Market stalls were being discussed, some one mentioned that it is possible to have a have a really small business with turnover less than 4000 euros and ( I think) avoid various charges, but they didn't elaborate how to do it.

Is this right and how do you do it?

[Will]

Yes, if your turnover is very small and you make less than a certain percentage of the social security threshold you do not need to register the business and pay cotisations - you do of course still have to declare it for tax purposes. This concession does not apply to all types of business, so whether it will be of any use to you depends entirely on what the business does. The figure I was quoted was 15% of 29712€ in 2003/4 - speak to your local URSSAF office to see what the current figures are and whether or not you would be able to benefit.