Set up as a sole trader

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.

When you need to set up as a sole trader

You need to set up as a sole trader if any of the following apply:

• you earned more than £1,000 from self-employment between 6 April 2021 and 5 April 2022
• you need to prove you’re self-employed, for example to claim Tax-Free Childcare
• you want to make voluntary Class 2 National Insurance payments to help you qualify for benefits

How to set up as a sole trader

To set up as a sole trader, you need to tell HMRC that you pay tax through Self Assessment. You’ll need to file a tax return every year.

Register for Self Assessment.

Your responsibilities

You’ll need to:

• keep business records and records of expenses
• send a Self Assessment tax return every year
• pay Income Tax on your profits and Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance - use HMRC’s calculator to help you budget for this

You’ll need to apply for a National Insurance number if you’re moving to the UK to set up a business.

VAT

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.

Naming your business

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.

Choosing your business name

Sole trader names must not:

• include ‘limited’, ‘Ltd’, ‘limited liability partnership’, ‘LLP’, ‘public limited company’ or ‘plc’
• be offensive

Your name also cannot contain a ‘sensitive’ word or expression, or suggest a connection with government or local authorities, unless you get permission.

For example, to use ‘Accredited’ in your business 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.

If you choose a name or logo that’s registered as a trade mark or is already being used, the owner could take legal action against you.

If you register a trade mark, it’s easier to stop other businesses using your name or logo.