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Starting In Business PDF Print E-mail

The information and links detailed here, are designed to help you understand some of the many aspects that you need to think about when you are looking at starting and running your own business, especially the very important tax and National Insurance (NI) aspects.

We also indicate other important areas of the law which ARE NOT the responsibility of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The links suggest where further, more detailed information can be found.

Please click on a link, which best matches your question:

Just starting out? - Beginner's guide to going Self-Employed/ Starting a business
We take you to a guide, on the Government's Business Link website, to all aspects of starting in business.

Not sure whether you should be registered as self-employed?
Read the HMRC guide on deciding whether or not you're self-employed.

Need to register as self-employed
Read the HMRC guide on the options for registering as self-employed and complete your application online.

NI and tax - How it might affect your business?
Read the HMRC introduction to the business taxes and NI, with links to more information from the HMRC website.

VAT- Do I or should I register for VAT
Read the HMRC introduction to Value Added Tax.

Further information

  • The booklet SE1 - Thinking of working for yourself? clearly explains how to get things moving, where to obtain help and how to register your business. Working for yourself - The Guide also explains how to get things moving and obtain help when you need it.
  • The Self-employed Helpline (Tel. 0845 915 4515) is open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday and 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, Saturday/Sunday. Call for help and advice on tax and National Insurance matters. For those speaking Welsh the number is 0845 766 0830.
  • National Advice Service - For VAT, Excise and International Trade enquiries, Tel 0845 010 9000.
  • HM Revenue & Customs Advice Teams - If you're thinking of going self=employed or have just started your own business, you can arrange to attend a free workshop with HM Revenue & Customs Advice Teams