Getting A Name For Sole Trader

[kanwal3017]

Do I need to register a name for my sole trader business or is this only for ltd companies!

[Paigntonian]

No, you don't have to but, obviously, HMRC will need one if you're not going to call it the same as your name.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Your business needs a HMRC UTR number -this is different to your personal tax number. You can either use your name ie Joe Bloggs Builders or register a name such as JB building services.

[Buenchico]

There's no requirement to register a business name if you're a sole trader except that
(a) HMRC will require you to state the name that your business trades under when you register for self-assessment ; and
(b) you can (optionally) register your business name as a trade mark if you want to prevent others from using it.

Remember that any 'official' paperwork you provide to others (such as invoices for your products or services) must show your own name as well as that of your business. (i.e. you can't just put 'Demeter Gardening Services' on your paperwork, with no mention of your own name. You need to state something along the lines of 'Fred Bloggs, t/a Demeter Gardening Services).

https://www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader