09 November 2009

Starting with 10 Aug 2009 HMRC has changed the registration procedure for individuals who wish to register as self-employed in the UK.In order to register you would need to provide a National Insurance Number

HM Revenue & Customs will not accept registrations for those that do not yet have a National Insurance Number.

Under current provisions, a person may perform activities as a sole trader in the UK for a maximum period of 3 months, after which registration with the HMRC is mandatory. If you fail to register within this period you may have to pay a penalty of £100.

Registering as Self-Employed

By phone

Call the Newly Self-employed Helpline on 0845 915 4515. You will need to provide your personal details as well as your National Insurance Number. The registration can take up to 4 weeks.

Online

Click on the link: HMRC Online Registrations. You will need to provide your personal details as well as your National Insurance Number. The registration can take up to 8 weeks.

By post

You would need to download the form 'Becoming self-employed and registering for National Insurance contributions and/or tax' here. You would need to send the completed form to: National Insurance Contributions Office, Central Agent Authorisation Team, Longbenton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE98 1ZZ or take it to any HM Revenue & Customs office.

How to obtain National Insurance Number NINO if you are not yet registered as self-employed?

The Department for Work and Pensions and the JobCentre Plus have been advised by HM Revenue & Customs with regards to this change. Applications for obtaining a National Insurance Number without official letters from the HMRC will be accepted.

You would need to prove that you are self-employed by providing copies of invoices sent to your clients, letters of recommendation, quotations that you have provided or any advertising that you have done. For more information we suggest you contact your nearest Jobcentre.

Our agents are experienced in dealing with HMRC on your behalf. If you need assistance with this service please contact us