REGISTERING AS SELF-EMPLOYED
Have you recently started a new business, or found some work on the side of your 9am–5pm job? If this is something you’re doing, you may need to consider registering as self-employed. This process may seem intimidating, but there are simple steps to ensure that nothing is missed, and your enrolment is effective. If you are wondering where to start, or if you even qualify, let us help you out.
How do I register as self-employed?
There are a series of steps you must take in order to register as self-employed. Although the process could seem daunting, it’s much simpler than it seems. Firstly, you should ensure that what you do classes you as self-employed. This will ensure you are going down the right avenue. You should then visit the government website, where you can make an online account. You will then need to register by using this account, entering your details, your trading name, and using your government gateway code.
How do I qualify as self-employed?
It can be tricky to know if what you do qualifies as being self-employed. That’s where we can help you out. If you are included in the following tasks, you will need to register as self-employed.
- Run your business by yourself
- Have several customers at one time
- Hire people at your own expense or to carry out work for you
- Charge an agreed fixed price for your work
- Sell goods or services for profit
It’s important to register as self-employed if these points apply to you, ensuring that you have a way to pay your tax and operate as a reputable business.
When should I register as self-employed?
The short answer to this question is, as soon as possible. However, if you have left it a little later, it isn’t the end of the world. You must make sure that you are registered as self-employed by 5th October in your business’ second tax year. If you fail to do this, you could face a fine. To avoid unnecessary stress, it’s a good idea to make this one of the first tasks you do when you become self-employed.
Now that I’m self-employed, what are my obligations?
Now that you are self-employed, the duties of calculating your own tax falls to you. There are two things that are important during this process:
- Putting money away from every transaction for tax
- Completing a self-assessment tax return for the tax year
Self-assessment tax returns must be completed by January for the previous year. One of the best ways to prepare for this is to save money for your tax return gradually throughout the year, rather than having to scrabble money together at the last minute to pay this bill. There’s one solution that will take all the stress out of your hands, and that’s finding an accountant.
Why should I work with an accountant?
Working with an accountant is bound to take the stress off your shoulders. Calculating tax returns and bills by yourself as someone who is self-employed can be stressful – after all, it’s not your profession! Accountants are trained to go through these processes carefully, balancing your finances and letting you know the monetary status of your business. They can also offer helpful advice for how to use your money to develop your business.
Here at Adams Accountancy, we offer accountancy for individuals who are self-employed, helping them through the process of registering for their tax return. Our services are seamless and come highly regarded, helping you keep on top of your business! Call us on 01322 250 001 or email info@adams-accountancy.co.uk.
