Comparing business structures

Set up as a sole trader

How to register as self-employed and start trading as a sole trader.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Register as a sole trader with HMRC by 5 October in your second tax year. Keep records of all business income and expenses. File a tax return and pay tax by 31 January each year.

  • Register with HMRC by 5 October in your second tax year
  • Keep records of income and expenses for 5 years
  • File a tax return and pay tax by 31 January
  • Income Tax rates: 20% (£12,571-£50,270), 40% (£50,271-£125,140), 45% (over £125,140)
  • Class 4 NI: 6% (£12,570-£50,270), 2% (over £50,270)
  • Open a business bank account to separate finances
  • Claim tax reliefs like £1,000 trading allowance or mileage
  • Prepare for Making Tax Digital if earning over £50,000 from April 2026
  • Late registration penalty based on unpaid tax
  • Late filing penalty: £100, increasing after 3 months
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UK-wide Sole Trader

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Being a sole trader is the simplest way to run a business. You keep all profits after tax, but you're personally responsible for any business debts. There's no legal distinction between you and your business.

What you need to do

  1. Choose a business name (optional - you can trade under your own name)
  2. Register with HMRC for Self Assessment
  3. Keep records of income and expenses
  4. File a tax return and pay tax annually

Registration requirements

When to register

You must register with HMRC for Self Assessment by 5 October in your second tax year of trading.

  • Example: Started trading 1 May 2024 → Register by 5 October 2025
  • Example: Started trading November 2024 → Register by 5 October 2025

If you earn over £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year, registration is mandatory. Below £1,000, registration is optional but recommended for mortgage or credit applications.

Registration process

  1. Register online through HMRC Self Assessment
  2. Provide your National Insurance number, personal details, and trading start date
  3. HMRC sends your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) within 10 working days
  4. Receive a separate activation code for your business tax account (within 7 days)

Late registration: If you register after 5 October and don't pay all tax owed by 31 January, you may receive a 'failure to notify' penalty based on unpaid tax. Late filing penalty: £100, escalating after 3, 6, and 12 months.

Business bank account

Not legally required - but strongly recommended. Most personal bank account terms prohibit business use. A separate account:

  • Simplifies tax filing and expense tracking
  • Establishes credibility with customers and suppliers
  • Reduces risk of mixing personal and business expenses
  • Makes it easier to accept card payments

Record-keeping requirements

You must keep records of all business income and expenses.

What to keep

  • Sales/income: Invoices issued, till receipts, bank statements
  • Expenses: Purchase invoices, receipts, mileage logs
  • Personal drawings: Money you take from the business
  • VAT records: If registered for VAT

How long to keep records

5 years from 31 January following the tax year. Example: 2024/25 tax return → Keep records until 31 January 2031.

Penalty for inadequate records: Up to £3,000 per tax year.

Tax and National Insurance

What you'll pay (2026/27)

  • Income Tax: 20% basic rate (£12,571-£50,270), 40% higher rate (£50,271-£125,140), 45% additional rate (over £125,140)
  • Class 4 NI: 6% on profits £12,570-£50,270, then 2% on profits above
  • Class 2 NI: Abolished (voluntary £3.50/week available for pension credits)

Key deadlines

  • 5 October: Register for Self Assessment (if new)
  • 31 January: File online tax return and pay tax owed
  • 31 July: Second payment on account (if applicable)

Tax reliefs available

Sole traders can claim various allowances to reduce their tax bill:

Making Tax Digital preparation

From April 2026, sole traders earning over £50,000 must use MTD-compatible software for digital record-keeping and quarterly reporting.

  • April 2026: Income over £50,000
  • April 2027: Income over £30,000
  • April 2028: Income over £20,000

Start using accounting software now to prepare - options include QuickBooks, Xero, FreeAgent, and spreadsheets with HMRC-compatible bridging software.

  1. 1

    Choose your business name

    You can use your own name or a trading name. Cannot include 'limited', 'Ltd', 'PLC', or imply government connection.

  2. 2

    Register with HMRC

    Register for Self Assessment by 5 October in your second tax year. You'll receive a UTR within 10 working days.

  3. 3

    Open a business bank account

    Not required but strongly recommended. Compare business account options - some are free for sole traders.

  4. 4

    Set up record-keeping

    Use accounting software or a spreadsheet to track income and expenses. Keep receipts for 5 years.

  5. 5

    Understand your tax obligations

    File Self Assessment by 31 January, pay Income Tax and Class 4 NI on profits.