When you start working for yourself, registering for Self Assessment is Job One. You've got to do it as soon as possible, and you'll get fined if you wait too long. The deadline for registration is the 5th of October in your business' second tax year. Don't miss it!

The easiest way to register for Self Assessment is by doing it online.  Here's how:

  1. Visit the HMRC website and create a Government Gateway account.
  2. You will then receive your Unique Tax Payer Reference number (UTR).
  3. You will also receive an activation code to log into your account for the first time.
  4. You can then complete the registration form.

You can also send your registration form by post but you've still got to go online to download the form anyway.