⚠️ By law you are required to register with HMRC so they know they have to issue you with a notice to complete a Self Assessment tax return and send you tax statements when required.

What is registering with HMRC?

You get a login for HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) online services when you register for tax online. You register when you tell HMRC that you: are an individual who needs to send a Self Assessment tax return (for example to report rental, investment or self-employment income)

Will the tax man catch me?

Yes, HM Revenue and Customs can see how much you earn, from your pay as you earn (PAYE) records and the information you provide on your self-assessment tax return. And you may be looking at the UK’s tax evasion penalty system, which can be quite severe.

Do I need to register as self-employed straight away?

The HMRC recommends that you register your business as soon as it is possible for you to do so. However, there is a cut off involved with registering your business, and it is 5 October after the end of the tax year that you began your self-employment.

How long does it take to register with HMRC?

How long does registration take? It takes 10 working days (21 days if you’re abroad) to complete the registration process. HMRC will post you an activation code. You’ll be prompted for this when you log in to your online account (known as a ‘Government Gateway account’) for the first time.

How do you catch a tax cheat?

If you decide to report the person or business you suspect of cheating, use IRS form 3949-A. 2 This form asks for basic information on the tax evader you are reporting, the types of violations you believe to be committed, the details of the violation and how you learned about it.

How soon do I need to register as self-employed?

According to HMRC, you should register at the earliest opportunity. However, there’s a deadline – legally you need to register by 5 October after the end of the tax year in which you became self-employed. For example, if you started your business in July 2018, you’d need to register with HMRC by 5 October 2019.

How do I know if I’m registered as self-employed?

Call HMRC to Find Out When You Registered as Self-Employed HMRC will have a record of when you registered as self employed. You can call HMRC on 0300 200 3310 and you’ll need to have your UTR number ready to get through security.

How do individuals register for tax?

Easy steps:

  1. Go to
  2. Select ‘Register Now’
  3. Follow the prompts.
  4. Request a Notice of Registration – it will reflect your income tax registration number.

Is tax and VAT number the same thing?

Is this the same as a VAT registration? No, this is often confused but Income Tax Number and VAT number is two totally different tax types. The business must however be registered for income tax before a tax clearance or VAT number can be applied for.