Registered 5 weeks ago as Self Employed. No confirmation yet

MoneyInstigator

Hi all,

I registered as self-employed (part-time freelance work) about 5 weeks ago online at https://www.workingforyourself.co.uk/selfemployed/form.asp

I have my first pay cheque but am worried about cashing it in, as I don't know if HMRC received my online application or not.

What do you suggest?

janienewcastle

Hi there, I would contact the self employed dept as I am aware they do have a backlog of applications. Phone 0845 915 4515, they will be able to check on the form. If they have no record then you will be able to register over the phone (it takes about 5 mins). Also, cash the cheque - its not your fault there is a delay with the forms......... You will not get a confirmation letter either unfortunatley..........
Hope this helps!!

Possetjohn

Hi there,
Agree with Janie, You don't normally get any confirmation. The first thing you will get is the demand for Class 2 NI contributions approx 3 months after registration. Suggest you call HRMC self employed dept.

System

You will not receive a "confirmation" letter as such but you should receive something giving your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number. This number is the one you will use along with your National Insurance number for self assessment. You should also get information regarding paying National Insurance contributions.

Go ahead and cash your cheque, HMRC don't expect your business to go under whilst you wait for them to process your application. As janienewcastle suggested give HMRC a call and they should be able to tell you if your application has been processed yet.

janienewcastle

Just a quickie that a UTR is not confirmation that you are self employed. Good luck!

MoneyInstigator

Thanks guys.

I had called them up about a week ago and was told that applications do take time to process but wasn't given any time frame. Was getting a bit worried with cashing in a large amount and then HMRC saying "why didn't you tell us you are self-employed?" and then handing over a £100 fine. :-(

I'll phone again in the new year to make sure.