Registering as Self-Employed: Step by Step

When you start freelancing in the UK you must register as self-employed with HMRC. It’s free, online, and essential.

Steps

• Create a Government Gateway account.
• Use HMRC’s online form to register as self-employed.
• Wait for your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) to arrive.
• Keep HMRC letters safe — they contain your login info.

Tips

• Register by 5 October in your business’s second tax year.
• Keep a note of your UTR and Government Gateway ID separately.