Working for yourself
Tax
Self-employed people are responsible for paying their own tax and
National Insurance. They have to keep detailed records of what they
earn and spend on the business and send their business accounts to
HM Revenue and Customs every year. Most self-employed people use an
accountant to make sure they pay the correct tax and claim all the
possible tax allowances.
As soon as you become self-employed you should register yourself for
tax and National Insurance by ringing the HM Revenue and Customs
telephone helpline for people who are self-employed, on 0845 915 4515.
Help and advice
Banks can give information and advice on setting up your own
business and offer start-up loans, which need to be repaid with
interest. Government grants and other financial support may be
available. You can get details of these and advice on becoming
self-employed from Business Link, a government-funded project for
people starting or running a business- www.businesslink.gov.uk telephone: 0845 600 9 006.
Working in Europe
British citizens can work in any country that is a member of the
European Economic Area (EEA). In general, they have the same employment
rights as a citizen of that country or state.
