Check how to register for Self Assessment

Use this tool to find out how to register for Self Assessment.

You must register for Self Assessment by 5 October 2024 if you have to send a tax return and you have not sent one before.

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you’ve registered before

If you’ve registered for Self Assessment before but did not send a tax return last year, you must register again.

If you’re waiting for a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), you can check when you can expect a reply from HMRC.

Before you start

You should check if you need to send a tax return before registering.

Start now

Part of Set up as self-employed (a 'sole trader'): step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if being self-employed is right for you

    1. Check what being self-employed means

    There are other ways to work for yourself. Check if you should set up as one of the following instead:

    1. Get help deciding how to set up your business
    2. Get help starting your own business if you're on benefits

  2. Step 2 Choose the name you want to trade under

    1. Check the rules for sole trader business names

  3. Step 3 Check what records you'll need to keep

    1. Find out what business records you need to keep

  4. Step 4 Register for tax

    To pay tax, you'll need to register for Self Assessment.

    1. Apply for a National Insurance number if you do not have one
    2. You are currently viewing: Register for Self Assessment

    You might need to register in a different way if:

    You may also need to register for VAT.

    1. Check if you need to register for VAT