How do you register as a Sole Trader?

This guide covers the registration requirements of sole traders.

You must notify HRMC

• If you intend to trade as a sole trader you must notify HMRC
• You are registering as self employed and each year you must complete a self assessment tax return
• You must notify HMRC within 3 months or face a fine

Protecting your brand

• If you are planning to “trade as” it is highly advisable that you register your company (as dormant) with Companies House
• This ensures your company name will be available to you if you decide to incorporate in the future
• Once a company name is taken at Companies House, it may not be registered by anybody else. This includes names that are deemed “too similar”