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Accounting and invoicing for hobby sellers

What began as a hobby becomes a side income: homemade goods, second-hand items, crafts. At some point the question arises from when that is a business. Saldiqo helps with invoices and receipts but does not replace the question of registration, which you clear with the authority and your tax adviser.

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What comes up for hobby sellers

When does a hobby become a business?

That depends on regularity, intention to profit and scale. Whoever records income and expenses can clear the question with figures.

Occasional customers

Buyers often pay in cash or by transfer. Whoever needs an invoice should get one.

Material and pitch fees

Wool, wood, paint, packaging and market fees are expenses worth writing down.

How Saldiqo helps

  • Record income and expensesInvoices and receipts in one place.
  • Invoice on demandCustomer, item, send.
  • Receipts by phone photoCapture receipts.
  • ReportAn overview shows whether the hobby pays for itself.

Typical invoice lines

Examples that often appear on invoices in this industry. You set the prices yourself.

  • Handmade candle, each
  • Commissioned work as requested, flat fee
  • Shipping as per order
  • Material as per receipt
  • Market fee as per receipt
  • Gift voucher worth 20

Tax and invoicing in Malta

What applies to invoices in Malta, in short. As of October 2026.

VAT
Rates 18 %, 12 %, 7 % and 5 %. Malta has no zero rate in law. Exports, EU supplies, food and medicines are exempt with credit, which lets you reclaim input VAT. Exempt without credit does not.
Article 11 small undertakings
With up to €35,000 of domestic turnover a year you can be exempt under Article 11. The status ends on the day the limit is passed, and you still register with the VAT department. Saldiqo adds the exemption note and leaves VAT off.
Tax invoice or fiscal receipt
A tax invoice is issued only when the customer gives you a VAT number. Otherwise a fiscal receipt from an approved system is required. Saldiqo writes invoices. It is not a fiscal receipt system, and a Saldiqo PDF does not replace a fiscal receipt.
Invoice timing
Issue the invoice by the 15th of the following month, or when payment arrives if that comes first. Simplified invoices are allowed up to €100.
E-invoicing
There is no mandate. Public bodies accept e-invoices through Peppol (EN 16931). The tax authority plans e-invoicing and real-time reporting but has set no dates, and EU rules apply from 1 July 2030.
VAT returns
Returns are due by the 15th day of the second month after the period, with 7 extra days when you file and pay electronically. Article 11 businesses file a yearly declaration by 15 February. Saldiqo does not file returns.
Record keeping
VAT records for 6 years, income tax records for 9 years and company records for 10 years. Plan for 10 years.
Late payment
Interest on late business payments is 10.40 %, plus €40 compensation between businesses.
Languages
Use Saldiqo in English or Maltese and send invoices in either language.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to register a business?

That depends on your country and your activity. You clear that with the competent authority and your tax adviser. Saldiqo does not replace that advice.

Do I need invoices for private customers?

That depends on the country and the type of service. Private customers often get a receipt, on request an invoice.

Do hobby sellers in Malta have to charge VAT?

If you are registered under Article 10, yes. Small undertakings under Article 11 with domestic turnover of up to €35,000 a year are exempt from charging VAT, but the status ends on the day the limit is passed.

Do hobby sellers in Malta need a fiscal receipt?

Sales to consumers need a fiscal receipt from an approved fiscal receipt system, and Article 11 businesses use one for all sales. Saldiqo is not such a system. It covers tax invoices to customers who give you their VAT number.

How long should hobby sellers keep invoices?

VAT records for 6 years, income tax records for 9 years and company records for 10 years, so plan for 10 years. You can store receipts digitally in Saldiqo. The legal duty to keep records stays with you.

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Write invoices, match payments, collect receipts and send reminders: free and without a trial period.

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As of October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice, without guarantee. For your case ask your tax adviser.