How do I register as a sole trader with HMRC?

How do I register as a sole trader with HMRC? You register as a sole trader by registering for Self Assessment with HMRC. You must do it if you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year. If you started in 2026-27, register by 5 October 2027. Yes. GOV.UK says you can start trading straight away without registering. You must register by 5 October after the end of the tax year in which you started. Usually not. You must register if you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year. You also need to register to prove you are self-employed, to pay voluntary Class 2 National Insurance, or to register for CIS. Yes. GOV.UK says that if you are already registered for Self Assessment for another reason, you need to register again as a sole trader, so you are set up for Class 2 National Insurance. Read the full answer, with every source, at rightotax.co.uk.