Register as self-employed or set up a limited company
Sole traders register for Self Assessment with HMRC and get a UTR; limited companies register at Companies House.
Cost: Sole trader registration free; company £100 online or £124 by post (reference)
Time: Companies are usually registered within 24 hours online
What you need
- Sole trader: must register if you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year (6 April to 5 April)
- Limited company: each director's Companies House personal code and a company Government Gateway ID
- Details of people with significant control (PSC)
Step by step
- Choose a business name (your own or a trading name)
- Keep records from the day you start trading
- Register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of the tax year you started
- Get your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and file tax returns
- For a company: verify your identity and register online at Companies House
Where to apply
GOV.UK: set up as a sole trader · gov.uk
GOV.UK: register for Self Assessment · gov.uk
GOV.UK: register a limited company · gov.uk
Tips to get it right the first time
- Registering after 5 October can mean a penalty.
- You can be employed and self-employed at the same time.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: gov.uk. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.