COVID-19 coronavirus update: Mint formations remains open for business. Customer orders are being processed without delay. Close
sole trader registration

Sole Trader Registration Service

Get Set Up as a Sole Trader Today and Get All the Support You Need

Do you want to register as a sole trader in the UK but are unsure what you need to do? Our Sole Trader Registration package gives you everything you need, and we’ll take care of the whole process, including filling in your paperwork and submitting it to HMRC.

Please note that sole trader registration requires a National Insurance (NI) number.

Buy Now - £29

Sole Trader Registration

What’s Included?

Sale trader name check

When you register as a sole trader, there are restrictions on the name you can trade under. We’ll ensure that your chosen name is suitable before processing your registration.

Fast sole trader registration

The process of registering as a sole trader can be complicated. We’ll handle everything for you and ensure your registration is completed quickly and correctly, usually within 24 hours on working days.

Self-assessment registration

As a sole trader, you’ll need to register for self-assessment tax. We’ll take care of your registration and send you your Unique Taxpayer Reference when the registration is complete.

Ongoing sole trader support

If you have any questions about your registration, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Sole Trader Registration packages

FREE Services Included

  • Free consultation with an accountant
  • Free business start-up guide
  • Free marketing guide
  • Free lifetime support
  • More exclusive offers and deals

Sole Trader Registration Service

Setting up as a sole trader in the UK is a great way to get your business off the ground and start building your brand. If you are ready to register as a sole trader, click “buy now” and follow the instructions to submit the form online.

Our company formation specialists will contact you and take care of the registration and legal formalities of sole trader registration for you.

Buy Now - £29
why choose Mint

Why Choose Mint Formations to Register as a Sole Trader?

Ready to register as a sole trader but not sure where to begin?

Mint Formations has got you covered. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the registration process and ensure everything goes as planned. We’ll also provide you with ongoing support and lots of freebies, including a free consultation with an accountant, a free marketing guide and more. Let us handle the hassle of your sole trader registration so you can focus on what’s important — growing your business.

  • 5 Star Ratings

    Top-rated excellence at your fingertips.

  • Fast Service

    Efficiency meets speed for ultimate satisfaction.

  • Exclusive Offers

    Unlock exclusive benefits designed just for you.

  • Free Support

    Expert assistance, always just a call away.

Testimonials

Exceptional Customer Service

Rated five stars, customers have given us a 97% positive service rating. We work hard to find new ways to make your experience with us exceptional.

Strongly Recommend

I am not based in the UK and so not aware of any regulations. Catherine helped me understand about the yearly filing and helped me in a highly professional manner. Since then, I have formed two other companies with them and will strongly recommend them to you.

Sophia Wilson

review

Fantastic

My business is all about selling and publishing books. I registered my company with Mint Formations, and I must say, they were fantastic in providing me support. They not only registered my company but are also taking care of Accounting for me, and the pricing is extremely reasonable. I have already recommended it.

Alex Wang

review

Polite and Professional

I am really impressed with the service. They have been helpful, polite and professional. I had issues selecting business activity with some codes, and they guided me to select an exact one for mine. I would recommend your service to people looking to register a new company.

Dimension Security Limited

review

Learn Everything You Need to Know About Sole Trader Registration

The process of sole trader registration in the UK is one of the easiest ways to start a business, and it’s even easier with our sole trader registration service. But if you’re unsure whether you should register as a sole trader or a limited company, we’re here to help. We’ve put together everything you need to know about registering as a sole trader.

What Is a Sole Trader?

A sole trader is a self-employed person who runs a business with no employees. Legally, there’s no distinction between you and your business. There are many benefits to becoming a sole trader, including:

  • Freedom of Choice

    As a sole trader, you can choose who you work with, when you work and how you want to run your business. You have complete control over every aspect of your business without the responsibility of employees.

  • Privacy

    Registering as a limited company will make your business’s financials available to anyone on the public register. But as a sole trader, you can keep your financial information private.

  • Straightforward Tax

    One of the most worrying elements of being self-employed is tax. If this is your first time being self-employed, it’s likely you’ve never dealt with self-assessment tax returns. Fortunately, they’re easy to complete and even easier with the help of an accountant.

If you’re interested in registering as a sole trader, get in touch with us today. We can help you ensure that becoming a sole trader is the right choice for you and answer any questions.

Once you’re ready to register, we’ll take care of everything by handling your paperwork and submitting it to HMRC. Once you’re all set up, we continue to support your business with free guides, ongoing support and a free consultation with an accountant.

stWhat

When You Need to Register as a Sole Trader

Generally speaking, if you're earning income from running your own business, you must register as a sole trader with HMRC. This is the case even if your business is a small-scale operation — for example selling items online or working as a freelance consultant and earning over £1,000 in the last tax year.

You must register as a sole trader if:

  • Your business has earned more than £1,000 in the last tax year
  • You want to prove that you’re self-employed for tax purposes
  • You want to make voluntary Class 2 National Insurance payments.

Anybody can register as a sole trader in the UK, providing you’re eligible for a National Insurance number. If you don’t have a National Insurance number, you can contact HMRC to apply for one.

Register as a sole trader now

Alternatives to Sole Trader Registration

If you're considering starting a business, becoming a sole trader isn’t your only option. Most new businesses will need to decide whether to operate as a sole trader or a limited company. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so weighing your options before deciding is important.

As a sole trader, you'll be fully responsible for the business, legally and financially, so you can keep all the profits yourself. However, you'll also be liable for any debts the business incurs. Registering as a limited company can help protect your personal finances if the business runs into trouble. However, it's important to note that limited companies must comply with strict regulations, and you'll need to pay corporation tax on any profits the business makes.

Ultimately, there's no right or wrong answer when deciding between being a sole trader or a limited company. It depends on your circumstances and what you feel comfortable with.

FAQ's

Sole Trader Registration

What are sole traders?

When you register as 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, but you’re also personally responsible for any losses your business makes. Sole trader registration means you must follow specific rules for running and naming your business.

How much does registering as a sole trader in the UK cost?

There's no set cost to register as a sole trader in the UK — you can do it free through HMRC. However, the process can be time-consuming, and you’ll need to ensure all the information you provide is correct. At Mint Formations, we can handle the registration process for you and ensure everything goes smoothly for a one-off fee of £29.

What are your responsibilities as a sole trader?

As a sole trader, you’ll need to:

  • Keep records of your business’s sales and 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.
  • Apply for a National Insurance number if you’re moving to the UK to set up a business.

How should I name my sole trader business?

When you register as a sole trader, you can trade under your own name or choose another name for your business. You must include your name and business name (if you have one) on official paperwork, such as invoices and letters.

Sole trader names must not:

  • Include the words “limited”, “Ltd”, “limited liability partnership”, “LLP”, “public limited company” or “plc”
  • Be offensive
  • Be the same as an existing trademark.
  • Contain a “sensitive” word or expression or suggest a connection with government or local authorities unless you get permission.

What is the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?

There are some key differences between operating as a sole trader and running a limited company, and the one that will be best suited to you will depend on how you plan to run your business and how quickly you want to grow. Our blog post outlines the differences between a sole trader and a limited company, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

As a sole trader, can I register for VAT?

Yes. After registering as a sole trader, you must register for VAT if your turnover exceeds £85,000 per year. You can register voluntarily if it suits your business; for example, if you sell to other VAT-registered companies and want to reclaim VAT. We can help you register for VAT online for just £49 +VAT.

How long does sole trader registration take?

Filling in our simple online application form takes just minutes, but receiving your UTR from HMRC can take approximately four to six weeks.

What do I receive from HMRC when I register as a sole trader?

When you buy our Sole Trader Registration package, we will register you as self-employed with HMRC. HMRC will then send you your Unique Tax Reference (UTR).

Can I start trading before I receive my UTR?

Yes, you can, but you must complete your sole trader registration within three months of the date you started trading. You can start trading as soon as you submit your application, allowing you to hit the ground running while knowing that your company formation admin is all taken care of by us.

Are there any annual fees?

There is no annual fee for our Sole Trader Registration package.

Do I need to register as a sole trader straight away?

While you’re not required to register as a sole trader straight away, we would highly recommend it. If you choose to wait to register, you must do it within three months of your launch date or by October 5th of the second tax year since your business started trading. Failing to register by that time may result in penalties from HMRC.

How do sole traders pay tax?

Sole traders pay income tax on their business profits through self-assessment tax returns. Every sole trader is required to complete a tax return annually, which details their income and expenses. The deadlines for tax returns are:

  • October 31st for paper returns
  • January 31st for online returns.

Sole traders are also required to pay National Insurance contributions (NICs). Class 2 NICs are a fixed weekly amount, while Class 4 NICs are calculated as a percentage of your annual taxable profits. The exact amounts may vary, so check the current rates on the UK Government's website.

What expenses can you claim back as a sole trader?

As a sole trader, you can claim back allowable business expenses to reduce your taxable income. HMRC’s list of allowable expenses includes the following:

  • Office costs
  • Travel expenses
  • Stock and materials
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Subscriptions and memberships.

You must keep accurate records of any of your business expenses. If you are unsure whether an expense is allowable, please check with HMRC.

You Can Also Order Via Phone

Just call us and speak with our friendly company registration expert. We will complete your order by phone or guide you step by step.

020 7112 8684

Or Email us: support@mintformations.co.uk

Company Formation

Statutory Requirements

Business Essentials

About Us

Company types

Address services

Banking Services

Help & advice

Mint Formations Limited, College House, 2nd Floor, 17 King Edwards Road, London, HA4 7AE

Email: support@mintformations.co.uk , Phone: +44 (0) 207 112 8684, 9am - 9pm GMT, Monday to Friday

Company Reg. No. 10771070 Vat Registration Nr: 269 1733 76

Register a UK Limited Company | © Copyright. Mint Formations Limited | Authorised by Companies House. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions