Register as Self Employed
Get registered as self-employed, done right from the start.
Starting out as a sole trader or freelancer means notifying HMRC before you earn, not after. Miss the deadline and penalties follow. We handle the registration for you, explain what comes next in plain terms, and make sure nothing is left out. Qualified accountants, ACSP-registered, serving clients across the UK.
- HMRC self-employment registration completed on your behalf
- UTR number and Self Assessment account set up correctly
- National Insurance obligations explained before you start trading
- Clear picture of your first tax bill and when it falls due
No long-term contract. If after working together it is not the right fit, you leave with your registration confirmed and nothing outstanding.
Get a free quote
Quote-based pricing. Replies within one working day.
What our clients say
★★★★★
Made Starting Out Feel Simple
“Prad makes the whole process straightforward and stress-free. His knowledge of UK accounting and HM Revenue & Customs is second to none.”
★★★★★
First Time Feeling Properly Supported
“For the first time I feel well supported and informed over my self assessment returns and tax advice in general.”
★★★★★
Helpful Accounting Advice for Small Businesses
“Prads has been very helpful in giving accounting advice and helping me to understand business from an accounting perspective. Super attentive, efficient.”
★★★★★
Quick, Clear, and Genuinely Affordable
“Incredible service and really affordable support for small businesses. Super quick and clear communication, and very reliable.”
Sound familiar?
Not sure where to start with HMRC?
A lot of people begin trading before they realise registration with HMRC is a legal requirement, and HMRC expects to hear from you within three months of starting. Getting it wrong or leaving it late means penalties. Getting it right means knowing your UTR, your Self Assessment obligations, and your National Insurance class before your first tax bill arrives.
- Not certain whether you need to register or when the deadline actually is
- Worried about missing something and picking up an HMRC fine before you have even started
- No clear idea yet of what your tax and National Insurance will look like in year one
What registered and sorted looks like
We take care of the HMRC registration from start to finish, confirm everything is set up correctly, and explain what you need to do next. You start trading knowing your obligations, not guessing at them.
- Registration submitted to HMRC correctly, with confirmation of your UTR and Self Assessment account
- Deadlines and filing obligations set out clearly so nothing catches you out later
- National Insurance class confirmed and your first tax payment estimated before it is due
- Transparent, quote-based fee with no hidden extras and a clear scope before we start
What new sole traders say about working with us
From first-time freelancers to contractors switching to self-employment, the feedback is consistent: clear communication, no confusion, and nothing left hanging.
Working with Prad is an absolute lifesaver as someone just starting out in the business world. Being new to everything, it can feel incredibly overwhelming, but Prad makes the whole process straightforward and stress-free. His knowledge of UK accounting and HM Revenue & Customs is second to none, and he always takes the time to explain things clearly rather than leaving me confused. Having someone I can fully trust to handle my filings means I can focus on actually growing my business rather than drowning in paperwork. If you’re a new business owner looking for a reliable, knowledgeable accountant, I couldn’t recommend Prad highly enough!
Absolutely brilliant service. Prads is so efficient and knowledgeable. For the first time I feel well supported and informed over my self assessment returns and tax advice in general. Thank you!
Everything covered in the registration service
The service covers your HMRC registration end to end, from the initial notification through to your UTR and Self Assessment account being confirmed and ready.
HMRC Self-Employment Registration
We notify HMRC that you are trading as a sole trader, within the required timeframe, so you avoid late-registration penalties. Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is applied for as part of the process. Once issued by HMRC (typically within 10 working days), you are properly registered and on record.
Included as standardSelf Assessment Account Setup
Being self-employed means filing a Self Assessment tax return each year, even if your income is modest. We set up your online HMRC account, explain the filing deadlines (31 January for online returns), and give you a clear view of what your first return will involve. Nothing is left unexplained.
Included as standardNational Insurance and Tax Obligations Explained
Self-employed individuals pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance, calculated on profit above the relevant thresholds. We confirm which classes apply to you, estimate what you are likely to owe in your first tax year, and flag anything else you need to be aware of before you start earning.
Included as standardConsistently clear, consistently reliable
From sole traders just starting out to established businesses switching accountants, the experience is the same: accurate work, clear communication, and no surprises.
Knowledgeable, Responsive, and Good to Work With
“Prads and the team made filing our accounts so easy. They were patient, knowledgeable, responsive and good to work with. We would highly recommend them. Thanks Prads!”
Accounts Done Quickly, Huge Weight Off
“Prads was very professional and efficient with good communication. My accounts were put together very quickly, a huge weight off my mind. Definitely recommend their services.”
Switched Accountants and Have Not Looked Back
“Working with Wings Online Filings Ltd has been an absolute pleasure. They are highly communicative, supportive, and provide a responsive, cost-effective service that perfectly suits my small architecture practice. I switched from another accountant about a year ago and haven’t looked back since.”
What makes working with us straightforward
A practical, qualified service delivered entirely online, with clear explanations and no unnecessary complexity.
Registration Done Once, Done Correctly
HMRC registrations are straightforward to get wrong and time-consuming to correct. We check every detail before submission so your UTR, Self Assessment account, and National Insurance class are all set up properly the first time. You do not have to chase HMRC to fix errors later.
Plain English From the Start
UTR numbers, Class 2 contributions, payments on account, the jargon around self-employment is considerable for someone new to it. We explain what each term means and what it requires of you, in plain terms, before you start trading. You leave the engagement knowing what to expect, not wondering about it.
Qualified, Regulated, and Accountable
Wings Online Filings is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registered with Companies House and AML-supervised by HMRC. The team are qualified accountants with professional indemnity insurance. That means you are not relying on an online form-filler; you are working with a regulated practice that is accountable for the advice it gives.
Up and running in four steps
The whole process is handled online, takes around 15 minutes of your time, and is straightforward from your side.
Tell Us About Your Situation
Fill in the short quote form or book a call. We ask a few basic questions: when you started (or plan to start) trading, what type of work you do, and whether you have already received any income. That is all we need to get going.
We Handle the HMRC Registration
Once we have your details and the necessary identity information, we prepare and submit your self-employment notification to HMRC. We let you know what HMRC will issue, when to expect it, and what the confirmation looks like.
Your UTR Arrives, We Confirm Everything
HMRC typically issues your UTR within 10 working days of registration. We confirm your Self Assessment account is active, check everything is in order, and explain the deadlines you need to keep from this point forward.
You Trade Knowing Where You Stand
With your registration confirmed and your obligations clearly explained, you can focus on building the business rather than wondering what HMRC expects of you. Your first Self Assessment return does not have to be a mystery either: we can help with that when the time comes.
“I highly recommend Prads and Wings Online Filings! They were professional, responsive, and prompt throughout, and handled our company accounts and tax return smoothly. Excellent service and genuinely reliable, exactly what you want in an accounting partner.”
Things people usually ask before getting started
Do I need to register as self-employed even if I have only earned a small amount?
Yes. HMRC requires you to register for Self Assessment if your self-employed income exceeds £1,000 in a tax year, which is the trading allowance threshold. If you are close to or over that figure, registration is the correct step regardless of whether any tax is actually due. Registering also starts your record with HMRC, which matters if your income grows.
What does the registration service cost and what does it include?
Pricing is quote-based because the scope can vary: a straightforward new registration is simpler than one where someone has been trading for a year without registering and needs back-dating. Get in touch with a few details about your situation and we will give you a clear, fixed quote before any work starts. There are no hidden extras and the scope is agreed upfront.
I have already been trading for a while without registering. Is it too late?
Not too late, but the sooner the better. HMRC expects registration within three months of starting to trade, so if that window has passed, a penalty may already be in play. We can register you, explain any penalty position honestly, and help you get your Self Assessment history in order. Getting compliant now is considerably better than waiting longer.
Do I have to commit to an ongoing service after you register me?
No. The registration service is a one-off engagement. Once your UTR and Self Assessment account are set up and confirmed, the work is complete. Many clients do ask us to handle their Self Assessment tax return when it falls due, but that is a separate conversation, not a condition of the registration service.
What is a UTR and do I need it before I can invoice clients?
A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is a 10-digit number HMRC assigns when you register for Self Assessment. You do not need a UTR to issue invoices or get paid; you can start trading before it arrives. You will need it when filing your first Self Assessment return, so registering early gives HMRC time to issue it well before that deadline.
Once I am registered, how much tax and National Insurance will I actually pay?
As a self-employed sole trader, you pay Income Tax on profits above the Personal Allowance (currently £12,570) and Class 4 National Insurance on profits above £12,570, plus Class 2 contributions where applicable. The exact amounts depend on your profit level and any allowable expenses you can claim. We can give you a realistic estimate for your first year based on your expected income as part of the registration engagement.
Get your self-employment registration sorted properly.
We handle the HMRC registration from start to finish, confirm your UTR and Self Assessment account, and explain your obligations clearly. Quote-based, with a fixed scope agreed before any work begins.