Legal status

What are a sole trader's legal obligations?

A sole trader is legally responsible for:

  • Tax - as all profit from a sole trader business is treated as personal income, it is crucial for a sole trader to complete an annual self-assessment tax return. You must inform HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that you are starting a business within three months from commencing business.
  • National Insurance - sole traders are required to pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance contributions at the current rates.
  • Accounts - these do not have to be audited, but a proper accounting system should be set up and records, including a profit and loss account and balance sheet, produced to submit with the self-assessment tax form.
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