Register as a sole trader
To register as a sole trader, you must register for Self Assessment.
If you have registered for Self Assessment for another reason, you will need to register again.
When to register
You must register if:
- you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year (from 6 April to 5 April)
- 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 and State Pension
If you register late, or if you do not register you may get a penalty.
How to register
Check how to register for Self Assessment
You will need a National Insurance number to register for Self Assessment. You can apply for a National Insurance number if you do not have one.