Without a proper invoice, companies and agencies cannot pay you. That is why registration decides which clients can book you at all, not how good your videos are.

Trade registration or freelance

The first question, and it depends on what your work actually looks like. Someone producing advertising material to a brief on commission is usually classified as a trade and registers a business. Someone working mainly in a creative or journalistic capacity may qualify as freelance.

The classification is not yours alone to make, it is the tax office's. Because the consequences differ, this is the one question worth clarifying with an accountant in advance rather than correcting later.

The small business rule

For beginners usually the practical route: below certain turnover thresholds you do not charge VAT and do not remit it. In exchange the invoice carries a corresponding note.

Two points often overlooked. First: you also cannot reclaim input VAT on purchases. Second: if your clients are mostly companies, VAT is a pass through item for them, so the rule helps you less than it would in consumer business.

What the invoice must contain

  • Your full name and address.
  • The client's name and address.
  • Your tax number or VAT identification number.
  • A sequential invoice number and the invoice date.
  • A description of the service and the date it was performed.
  • Net amount, tax rate and tax amount, or the note about the small business rule.
  • Payment term and bank details.

Usage rights belong on their own line. That is not formalism: it is the line you will want to raise later.

The mistakes that cost money

Registering only when the first client appears

The request comes, you cannot invoice, the job moves on.

Counting income gross

Set aside a fixed share for tax on every payment, in a separate account.

Not keeping records

Even in simple setups you need a traceable record of income and expenses.

Doing it all alone

An accountant costs little at the start and prevents exactly the mistakes that cost a lot later.

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Frequently asked questions

Trade or freelance?

It depends on the actual activity and is classified by the tax office. Clarify it in advance.

Is the small business rule worth it?

For beginners usually yes, less clearly so when clients are mostly companies.

Do I have to register immediately?

To work with companies and agencies yes.

How much should I set aside?

A fixed share of every payment received. Better too much than too little.