Register as self employed.

How can I register?

There are three ways you can register:

online using the email links here Register online as self-employed - sole trader

• Please note this can’t be used if you’re a partner in a limited liability partnership

• phone - by calling the Newly Self-employed Helpline (0845 915 4515)

Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 8.00 am to 4.00 pm Saturday and Sunday (closed Bank Holidays).

• post - by downloading and completing form CWF1 below

After you start working for yourself and if there is any delay in registering you may find that you need to pay a fine. If the fine is not paid up by the dead line then further consequences may follow leading to higher payments required.

You will need:

• name

• address

• National Insurance number

• date of birth

• contact telephone number

• contact email address

• the date your self-employment commenced

• the nature of your business

• your business address

• your business telephone number

• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if you were previously within Self Assessment

• the business's UTR if you are joining an existing partnership

If you’re a partner in Limited Liability Partnership you must register by post.

• where relevant, the full name(s) and date(s) of birth of your business partner(s)

(You will need your National Insurance number. If you don’t have one please call Jobcentre Plus on 0845 6000 643.)

ONLINE REGISTRATION

The fastest way to register is by going online and filling in the application form. (Not required if you’re in a limited liability partnership.) Your application would be secure; however you may not receive a reply. The reply will not contain confidential information. Any confidential information would be sent by a letter or a telephone call.

Please also note that for security reasons, you will be timed out after 15 minutes. Therefore please have all information to hand before you start.

Register online as self-employed - sole trader

(A sole trader business is one that is owned and run by one person.)

Register online as self-employed – partner in a partnership (except limited liability partnerships)

(All business partners must register separately.)

If you’re a partner in a Limited Liability Partnership you can only register by post - see below.

POSTAL REGISTRATION

If you prefer to register by post please download and complete the form CWF1 Becoming self-employed and being registered for National Insurance contributions and/or tax. Or you can call the Newly Self-employed Helpline and ask them to send you one.

If you’re a partner in Limited Liability Partnership you must register by post.

Follow the link bellow to get the form;

Go to form CWF1 Becoming self-employed and being registered for National Insurance contributions and/or tax

If you have an agent who will be completing the form for you, you must first ensure that you have signed a form 64-8: Authorisation your agent, which gives a formal agreement for your agent to act on your behalf.

FOR MORE VITAL INFORMATION YOU MAY WANT TO LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING:

Self Employment and Self Assessment

Being self employed means you would need to complete an annual Self assessment return. This page briefly answers frequently asked questions

Staring up in business

This information aims to help you understand some of the many things you need to think about when you’re running a business, especially the main tax and national insurances issues.

Journalist’ Catherine Shole-Lumpkin