---
title: "UK Independent Contractor Checklist"
slug: "uk-independent-contractor-checklist"
updated: 2023-03-09T13:14:44Z
published: 2023-03-09T13:14:44Z
canonical: "resourceportal.antientropy.org/uk-independent-contractor-checklist"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://resourceportal.antientropy.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# UK Independent Contractor Tax Checklist

### Who is this article for?

          

Individuals starting as independent contractors or starting their own business in the UK and need guidance on what to file for registration and tax purposes.

An independent contractor in the UK is a self-employed worker or [sole trader](/v1/docs/sole-trader) that runs their own business and is responsible for its success and failures. They are not paid through the [PAYE (Pay As You Earn)](/v1/docs/pay-as-you-earn-paye) system and do not have the same rights and responsibilities as an employee.

In the UK, you can be both employed and self-employed simultaneously. (i.e., You work for an employer during the day and run your business after office hours). To determine if you are an independent contractor, see our article [Who is an independent contractor?](/v1/docs/who-is-an-independent-contractor-uk) and the [different types of contractors](/v1/docs/uk-workers-vs-independent-contractors-1).

          
          

Below are the forms and registrations needed based on the UK's most common types of independent contractors. We strongly advise you to seek advice from a tax professional before filing and for assistance in filing your taxes.

---

### [Sole Trader](/v1/docs/sole-trader)

- Complete the [Self-Assessment Tax Return](https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return) after the end of the tax year (April 5)
- Pay Class 2 or 4 [National Insurance](https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance/national-insurance-classes)
- Pay VAT

Review our [sole trader](/v1/docs/sole-trader) article for additional requirements and how to register as a sole trader.

---

### [Private Limited Company (single-member)](/v1/docs/private-limited-companies-plcs)

- File annual accounts with the Companies House
- Pay company taxes and file a Company Tax Return with HMRC

You can file accounts together if your PLC qualifies for audit exemption:

- Annual turnover of no more than £10.2 million
- Assets worth no more than £5.1 million
- 50 or fewer employees on average

You can use either:

- [HMRC Online Service](https://www.gov.uk/file-your-company-accounts-and-tax-return)
- Company [accounting software](https://www.gov.uk/company-filing-software)

If you’re filing separately:

- [Companies House](https://www.gov.uk/file-your-company-annual-accounts)
- HMRC
  - [HMRC Online Service](https://www.gov.uk/file-your-company-accounts-and-tax-return)
  - Company [accounting software](https://www.gov.uk/company-filing-software)

**To file, you will need the following:**

- HMRC online account details
- Company registration number
- Companies House online account details

For more information on [private limited companies](/v1/docs/private-limited-companies-plcs) review our PLC article.

---

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## Related

- [Start Guide for Independent Contractor](/independent-contractor-start-guide.md)
- [Sole Trader](/sole-trader.md)
- [Private Limited Companies (PLCs)](/private-limited-companies-plcs.md)