How to register as self-employed

If you started working for yourself, then you need to register as self-employed with the HMRC.

The good news:

the process is very simple
you only need do it once
it covers both income tax and National Insurance contributions (NIC).

First time registering as self employed?

Create a Government Gateway account.
You’ll receive a user ID.
Log back in to the Government Gateway, select “add a tax”, and then “Self Assessment”.
Select “Sole Trader” from the options: individual, sole trader, partnership, or trust.
Enter the date you started your self-employment.
Submit more details, including your National Insurance Number (here’s how to get one).
Describe the work you do: “security guard”, “Uber driver”, “freelance designer”, etc.
Review and click “submit”.
You’ll get a letter with your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number by post.
You’ll also receive another letter within 10 working days with an activation code. You’ll need this code to activate your UTR.

If you’ve sent a tax return before

The process is similar, but instead you will use the online CWF1 form.

Just use the same UTR number and HMRC login as last time.

If you work in the construction industry (CIS)

HMRC treats subcontractors working in construction (builders, painters, carpenters, etc.) differently.

Let HMRC know if you’re a construction worker and register for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).

After you’ve registered

Keep track of your invoices and receipts.
File your Self Assessment tax return by January 31st every year
Make payments to HMRC twice a year: on January 31st and July 31st
Pay National Insurance Contributions (NICs)
Register for VAT if you’re making £85,000 from self-employment.

For more details, check out our list of frequently asked questions and answers for self-employed registering for Self Assessment.

You might also want to understand how Payment on Account works — your first tax payment will be 50% larger than you expect.

When you will want to stop being self-employed

You will need to tell HMRC – here is how you do it. HMRC will still expect you to file a tax return otherwise.

HMRC will still expect you to file a tax return otherwise.

How TaxScouts works

1. Simple online tax assessment

Our online tax-bot will go over your tax situation and will make sure you won’t overpay your taxes.

2. Chat to human advisors

You can talk to one of our tax assistants at any time during the process when you have any questions.

3. We’ll sort your documents online

We’ll tell you exactly what documents you need and sort them for you online. You just upload them or snap a picture with your phone.

4. Everything gets prepared for you

Your certified accountant will go over your details & prepare your tax return for you to review. It will be filed on your behalf once you approve it.

Get started

"Brilliant service"

Surprised by how easy the process was. Additionally it's saved me money, so all round a win.

Jo B

"Superb"

I will happily recommend them and frankly don't care if Marcus is real or a room full of whirring AI - TaxScouts is brilliant.

Andy B

"Smooth and easy process"

Smooth and easy process. Will use every year! Very helpful staff as well!

Oliver J W

Who our service is for

First time tax filers

We have a simple online service that guides you through the entire process. Regardless of your reasons for doing your tax return we'll help you get it done right.

Construction workers

We'll prepare your self assessment and help to maximise your CIS tax refund. We have the lowest fees in the industry and you don't have to pay up front if you're eligible for a refund.

People living overseas

Our service allows people living abroad to prepare their income tax return online. We are able to process all returns regardless of your current country of residence.

Company directors

UK company directors are required to file their self assessment annually. TaxScouts handles this through a simple online process.

Landlords

Long Lets, Airbnb, Capital Gains. TaxScouts will sort out your self assessment and take away the worry of tracking all the recent tax changes.

Self-employed

TaxScouts ensures the self employed don't overpay on their taxes. We'll help you benefit from all the tax breaks and deductions that can be applied to your return.

And for everyone else who needs to do their self assessment

At TaxScouts we appreciate that tax returns are highly individual. Before you get assigned an accountant we make sure to understand your circumstances and help you build your optimal tax profile.