How do I start as a Sole Trader in the UK? Help!

I want to register as a sole trader in the UK and so far I know that I will have to register as self employed with HMRC and that I will have to keep track of business expenses and profit. But I want to know what the process is like before I go and do anything. Will I have to provide a copy of my passport or anything similar? How about company name? How do I get that? Can I just become a sole trader and then use any company name I want as long as it's not been registered as an LTD by someone else? Or do I have to notify anyone? I need some help and advice... anyone?

Basicly just register with the tax office asap. You can register under your own name or you can register as trading as. you do not need to register your business name unless you go ltd. I would suggest opening a bank account(business) in your proposed trading as name also

How would I get a trading as name?
Thanks a lot.

make a name up now and that can be your trading as name

Then when you tell hmrc just fill that part out DBA "Your business name"

Check out the Companies House Website its the official UK government register of UK companies. You can find all the info you need there.

hxxp://www.companieshouse.g0v.uk/

Ahh thanks a lot. Just one more question. Is it worth registering for a Business Bank account for which I will have to pay fee's for? Wouldn't I be better of with a normal account? Okay two questions, off topic, is SnugCash.com safe to register to? Would I be safe providing my details etc? Does it convert well? Thanks for your help and if you want to I can register under your SnugCash affiliate link or something to show my appreciation. Thanks.

bgallotte said:

Check out the Companies House Website its the official UK government register of UK companies. You can find all the info you need there.

hxxp://www.companieshouse.g0v.uk/

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Thanks yeah, but the reason for me asking these questions here is because of the simple fact that I want help from someone experienced that can give me some good advice and tips based on the simple fact that this is all about internet marketing. I can read, I've seen the website before but I don't really understand everything until someone explains it to me.

Edit: I just realized there are lots of offers for free business banking. lol