Collection

Help setting up and running a small business

Guidance and tax advice for businesses, sole traders and limited companies, including how to set up, your responsibilities and how to get help with your taxes.

Getting set up

There are several ways to set up a small business. How you do this will affect how you run the business and how you pay tax.

These guides will explain:

  • the difference between being a sole trader and setting up a limited company
  • whether you need to set up a business

Watch a video about choosing your business structure

Which business structure should I choose? Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company

You’ll learn about the different types of business structure, and how each one works.

Your responsibilities

Once you’ve set up your business, you’ll have some regular tasks to complete and responsibilities to be aware of. These videos and guides will explain:

  • what you need to do about VAT and Corporation Tax
  • how and why to keep records
  • when you need to tell HMRC about any additional income (for example, from a side hustle)

Watch videos on YouTube to learn about Self Assessment.

Watch videos on YouTube for help filling in your Self Assessment tax return.

Watch videos on YouTube for help with Corporation Tax.

Get help with your taxes

These videos and guides will explain how to:

  • get help with your taxes from HMRC
  • get someone to deal with taxes on your behalf

Watch videos on YouTube for help understanding your tax code.

Get more help running your business

These videos, webinars and guides will explain how to get further help once you’ve started running your business.

Watch videos on YouTube aimed at new and growing businesses.

Watch videos on YouTube about running a small business.

Updates to this page

Published 6 June 2025