If you want to start working as self-employed, you must register with HM Revenue & Customs, but first make sure you have a National Insurance Number. After the registration, you will receive your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and HMRC will set up the right tax and National Insurance contributions records. You should keep your UTR safe because you will need it when completing your Self Assessment tax return.

Registration for VAT is compulsory if your annual turnover exceeds £87,000 or you expect the turnover to be higher than that amount in the next 30 days. However, it may happen that your turnover has exceeded registration threshold temporarily. In that case, you may apply for exception from registration. This applies for entrepreneurs supplying goods or services within the UK. 

Before we delve deeper into the world of taxes, it is worth pointing out that trying to calculate your taxes can be complicated, challenging and time-consuming; it is certainly one of those areas where using an accountant is well worth the money.

It would be best to get in touch with us. We will co-ordinate with Companies House on your behalf and set out an appeal process to postpone any action while we get you up-to-date on your annual returns. You might have to pay the financial penalty but an early submission should lead them to drop any legal action.

Under self-assessment, a paper return must reach HMRC by 31st October and an online return by 31st January. If you fail to file the return, you automatically receive a £100 fine – even if you don’t owe any tax or have paid the tax you owe. If, for whatever reason, you miss the deadline, the longer you delay the more you pay.

Firstly, to get a feel of the amount of work involved, we’d need a very brief review of your books and records. Additionally, we’d need a copy of your last financial accounts prepared by your current accountant to provide relevant advice. If there’s anything you need help with and think it’s relevant for us to know, please mention it in the message.

Switching accountants is easy and straight-forward. It’s usually a case of simply writing to your current accountant, telling them the name of your new accountants and advising them that the new firm will be contacting them shortly to collect your  records. When you decide to switch to us, we will fully manage the transition and ensure that the handover is seamless. We will take care of everything including contacting your current accountant and explaining you are moving away, drafting a brief note confirming the move, arranging for the transfer of records, obtaining copies of your accounts and tax computations, and notifying HMRC and other government offices that we are looking after your business affairs.