How To Register A Business Uk Sole Trader
The process is relatively easy to follow though some questions might arise which requires professional assistance.
How to register a business uk sole trader. For example if from the definitions above you started trading on 1 january 2017 the latest date you could register self employed would be 5 october 2017. To set up as a sole trader you need to register for register for self assessment and file a tax return every year. It typically takes around 10 days to get an activation code for the government gateway account. Keep records of your business s sales and expenses. If it qualifies then proceed to register for a business account through the gov uk.
Compared to any other business registering as a sole trader in the uk is quite easy. A sole trader is simply an individual who is self employed and running their own business. Pay income tax on your profits and class 2 and class 4 national insurance use hmrc s calculator to help you budget for this. You get to keep any profits you earn after tax of course but you will have to personally take the hit of any losses. You ll need to provide your name address national insurance number and some details about your business.
You ll need to register for self assessment by 5 october in the second tax year after you started trading. Send a self assessment tax return every year. Sole traders it s simpler to set up as a sole trader but you re personally responsible for your business s debts. To register as a sole trader yourself directly with hmrc you must have a government gateway account. Once you have your government gateway account setup then you can complete the sole trader registration form.
How to register as a sole trader the easiest way to register is online on the hmrc website. Registering as a sole trader is a great way to start a business quickly and conveniently. You can also phone hmrc on 0300 200 3500 or print a copy of the online form and send it by post. You will need to visit the official gov uk website and register for self assessment. Register as a sole trader with hm revenue and customs and legal responsibilities if you run a business as a self employed sole trader.
Most businesses register as a sole trader limited company or partnership. There are many benefits of being your own boss including greater control over your work life balance. When do you need to register as a sole trader. Before you register your business as a sole trader use the employment status indicator to check if your work qualifies as self employment. Setting out in business on your own might feel daunting but take comfort from the fact that you re in good company there are now almost five million self employed workers in the uk accounting for 15 of the total workforce.