Registering as self-employed

Updated on February 11, 2026

Introduction

No need to go all Éponine on us — you are NOT “On Your Own”. We’re doing this together. In fact, we brought screenshots of each step so you can follow along with a cup of tea in hand. The ideal setup is to keep this page open in one tab, and the HMRC page open in another.

Typically you want to be registered before you do your first self-employed job (but don't panic if you're already working — you have until 4th October of the next tax year to register). A tax year runs from 6 April → 5 April. But let’s be keen beans and get this sorted now!

As soon as you start working for yourself, you are a sole trader. That’s just HMRC language for “self-employed”. As a sole trader you’ll keep track of your income, invoices and expenses, and complete a Self Assessment tax return each year.

If you’re a new graduate, your first tax year on the SansDrama Web App is FREE — so you can start good habits early.

What to expect once you register

You’ll receive (through the post):

  1. Your 10-digit UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) — your self-employed “ID number”.
  2. Your enrolment for Self Assessment online services.
  3. An activation code (you’ll use this to sign in for the first time).

Right. Tea? Biscuits? Ready? 🍪 Here we go.

Step 1 – Create your Government Gateway account

If you already have a Government Gateway ID for HMRC, you can skip to Step 3 - this may be the case if you've already logged in to see PAYE work before becoming self-employed.

If you need to register, you start here: https://www.access.service.gov.uk/registration/email

You’ll go through three short screens — email (they’ll send a code), your full name, then your password — and you’ll be issued your Government Gateway User ID. Write that down somewhere sensible… you’ll need it.

Step 2 – Set up additional security

This is the two-factor authentication bit. You can choose text message, authenticator app, or landline — whatever works for you. The screenshots show what happens when you select Text Message.

Step 3 – Tell HMRC you are self-employed

Now for the actual registration for Self Assessment + UTR.

Start here: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/business-registration/select-taxes

Choose: “I want to tell HMRC that I am in business and need to register for a new tax or tell HMRC that the company is now active.” and then click 'Next' a lot.

Step 4 – ID verification

HMRC will now verify your identity. This can vary depending on what documents you have. You might be asked for a passport or driving licence, or to answer credit-file questions. If something doesn’t match, don’t panic — try another method.

Step 5 – Business details

Here’s where you tell HMRC what kind of work you’re doing. For “business description”, something like Musical Theatre Performer, Actor, or Dancer / Choreographer is perfect — it does not need to be complicated. Use your best everyday description, and keep your “business address” as wherever you reliably receive post.

Click next... Declaration - here you select Self-employed/Sole Trader/Sole Proprietor and tick the box as shown below. This is confirming that all the details you have entered are correct to your knowledge.


Nearly there...click next. Re-authentication page. In this, you need to enter the user ID you were given at the start, which is the same as the 'Government Gateway User ID'. Note - you should also have been emailed this, so don't worry if you didn't jot it down.


Finally.... Acknowledgment. You'll see here you have a tick at the top of your page confirming that your registration was submitted. We recommend clicking the 'view and print' button half way down. Definitely worth printing this off and putting it somewhere safe!


HMRC just became your show buddy

You’ll receive two letters:

  1. Your Government Gateway Activation Code — use it to sign in for the first time.
  2. Your UTR (10-digit number) — this is your self-employment identity number. Keep it safe.

That’s it — you’re officially self-employed. 🎉 Have a celebratory biscuit and take a bow.

And now, time for less admin and more applause. Enter the SansDrama Web App - your ultimate backstage companion. Everything organised from day one (and new grads get their first tax year for FREE).

SansDrama is here to help YOU and everyone else in our amazing creative community. If you've found the site helpful then you can help us to keep this site free to use forever by using the SD Web App.

Love Jo and James x