Do I Need to Register with HMRC?

When You Must Register

You need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC if:

• You earn more than £1,000 from self-employment (above the trading allowance)
• You earn more than £1,000 from property income (above the property allowance)
• You are a company director (unless the company is non-profit or you had no income)
• You have untaxed income such as savings interest, dividends, or foreign income above certain thresholds
• You are a partner in a business partnership
• You need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (income above £60,000)

When You Do Not Need to Register

You generally do not need to register if:

• Your only income is from PAYE employment and all tax is deducted at source
• Your self-employment income is under £1,000 (covered by the trading allowance)
• Your property income is under £1,000 (covered by the property allowance)
• Your savings interest is below the Personal Savings Allowance

The Trading Allowance

The £1,000 trading allowance means you can earn up to £1,000 from self-employment without registering or reporting it. If you exceed £1,000, you must register and report all of it.

When to Register

Register by 5 October in your second tax year. For example, if you start earning self-employment income in July 2026 (2026/27 tax year), register by 5 October 2027.

In practice, register as soon as you start earning. Late registration can result in penalties.

How to Register

Go to GOV.UK and search for "register for Self Assessment." The online process takes about 10 minutes.

Once registered, use Accounted to track your income and expenses.

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If in doubt, register. There is no penalty for registering when you did not need to. Sign up for Accounted and let Penny keep your tax affairs in order.