Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
If you’re a sole trader, you run your own business as an individual and are self-employed.
You can keep all your business’s profits after you’ve paid tax on them. You’re personally responsible for any losses your business makes. You must also follow certain rules on running and naming your business.
Check what counts as self-employed if you’re not sure about your status.
You need to set up as a sole trader if any of the following apply:
To set up as a sole trader, register for Self Assessment and file a tax return every year.
You’ll need to:
You’ll need to apply for a National Insurance number if you’re moving to the UK to set up a business.
You must register for VAT if your turnover is over £85,000. You can register voluntarily if it suits your business, for example if you sell to other VAT-registered businesses and want to reclaim the VAT
Working in construction industry
Register with HMRC for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) if you’re working in the construction industry as a subcontractor or contractor.
You can trade under your own name, or you can choose another name for your business. You do not need to register your name.
You must include your name and business name (if you have one) on official paperwork, for example invoices and letters.
Sole trader names must not:
Your name also cannot contain a ‘sensitive’ word or expression, or suggest a connection with government or local authorities, unless you get permission.
Example To use ‘Accredited’ in your company’s name, you need permission from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Check which words you need permission to use, and who from.
You’ll need to register your name as a trade mark if you want to stop people from trading under your business name.
You can sign up for business support emails from HMRC to help you if you’re working for yourself.