Registering as Self-Employed

[PaulB]

Hi

I am Registering as Self-Employed on the hmrc website but it asks me for a business name, now I'm not being funny but, do I really need one? I am working as self employed but selling for a number of different companies.

Thanks

Paul

[helpmetoo]

just put your name down, simple,

fred bloggs would fill out the form

'fred bloggs'

[raysparx1]

As helpme says, just use your own name thats all I have ever done,

[PaulB]

Thank you both! Great stuff x

[BRAVO1]

Paul STOP !.

Don't register your company too quickly mate.

You have I believe 3 months trading allowed until you have to register.

Secondly : Think about a trading name, this enhances your professional status, plus as a sole trader you can put the company name after your own name :

Paul B trading as Blah blah etc : That way you can get payment made to either you or the trading name.

A trading name will help if you set up business banking or websites for the company.

Check out the FREE banking at Abbey National for small businesses, no fees, and all done remotely, debit card and paying in all in one account.

[PaulB]

Wow what an answer - many thanks indeed BRAVO1


Thanks!

[BRAVO1]

Glad I was helpful my friend.

Abbey was good when I set up my business banking.

Remember a good business name will help you in the long run.

Why not think of some business names and see if anyone else has registered them, go to www.freeparking.com and check out the avalability.

Buy your domain, and even if you don't use it, it's yours for the future.

Good luck

[PaulB]

Excellent thanks - I had to set up the business quickly so it's already done now but I am self employed and trading under exellnet.com (just need to get my first sale!!!)

Can I ask - I've never done this before and I've been told to keep all my receipts for stuff but, what exactly can I "claim" back? I have no accountant by the way

Ta!

[BRAVO1]

Sorry Paul for the rather slow reply mate...

Ok, regarding receipt's - KEEP EVERYTHING, never throw anything away, get a box and put all your receipts from petrol to paperclips in it.

If your using your car, use a diary to write business mileage down.

Ensure you number and date invoices when you bill clients, and put these in order of trading month.

KEEP everything from bank statements to phone bill's.

You really do need an accountant, he or she will save you fortunes in the long run, they know all the in's and outs of self employed tax breaks, and info on NI and tax, plus they will help you fill out the tax forms.

Good-Luck mate.

PS : GOOD NAME !

[BRAVO1]

www.excellnet.com is an Amercian website paul ?

You sure mate ?.

Mike

[PaulB]

Thanks so much for all info, the site is exellnet.com (no "c")

All info is really helpful thanks - must go try and find an accountant then :o(

Thanks again Mike!