Self-employment means working for yourself rather than for an employer who pays a salary. Self-employed individuals often work as contractors, freelancers, or business owners. You can also be considered self-employed if you sell goods or services on your own.

Anyone earning income outside of PAYE must declare it to HMRC. If you’re self-employed, registering and getting a UTR number is the only way to report your income and pay the correct amount of tax through a Self-Assessment return.

Once you start earning from self-employment, you need to notify HMRC. The fastest way is to complete Tax2u’s simple 3-step online form. We’ll submit your application within 24 hours, and HMRC will issue your UTR number usually within 10 working days.

To register, you’ll need:

• Full name, contact details, date of birth
• National Insurance number
• Start date of your self-employment
• Type of work you carry out
• Proof of ID and proof of address

We may also request documents to verify your identity, such as a passport, driving license, or recent utility bill.

Yes. You can register as self-employed while also working for an employer. In this case, you must submit a Self-Assessment tax return each year to declare both sources of income.

Once your application is submitted, HMRC typically takes 6–8 weeks to issue your UTR. However, with Tax2u’s fast-track service, you can usually receive your UTR in just 10 working days.

Registering with Tax2u is quick, reliable, and stress-free. We submit your application to HMRC, help you complete the client authorisation (64-8 form), and offer ongoing support with your taxes.

If you’re under CIS, we can help you reclaim overpaid tax averaging £2,514 per client per year. You’ll receive a welcome pack, helpline access, and personalised support throughout the tax year.

We’re an authorised HMRC agent, which means we can manage the process on your behalf but we’re not affiliated with HMRC. For any queries, contact our friendly team.