Self employment explained
Set up and register the business | (0)
If you want to trade as a sole trader (or a member of a partnership as an individual), you need to register as self-employed with Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
How and when to register
You should do this straight away, or you risk a penalty.
There are three ways to register: a form, online or by phone.
Pros and cons of self employment
Advantages of self employment
Self-employment is the easiest way to start a business - there are far fewer reporting requirements for a sole trader than a limited company, for instance. And accounting is much easier (and hence bills for accountants are ...