How do I register as a sole trader?
Sole traders must register with HM Revenue and Customs. There are three ways you can do this:
- complete the online form via HMRC
- print off the form and fill it in, and send it to the address on the form
- telephone HMRC on 0300 200 3310.
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New sole trader who’s not sent tax returns before
Let HMRC know you want to be a sole trader by registering as a new business. You’ll register your business and also register for Self Assessment tax returns and Class 2 National Insurance at the same time.
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![how to register as sole trader]()
New sole trader who’s sent tax returns before
You may have previously sent Self Assessment tax returns as an individual, e.g. for income from rental property or investments. You now need to register as self-employed and for Class 2 National Insurance using form CWF1. You can keep your existing Self Assessment account but you’ll need your existing Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) that will be on your previous tax returns and your online account or other documents. If you can’t find it, call the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310 (textphone 0300 200 3319).
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Former sole trader who wants to start up again
You need to re-register using form CWF1. As you’ll have registered when you were previously a sole trader, you can keep your existing Self Assessment account but you’ll need your existing Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). This will be on your previous tax returns and your online account or other documents. If you can’t find it, call the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310 (textphone 0300 200 3319).
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