Is There a Way to find out if a business/individual is registered as a sole trader?

[Deleted member 367548]

I am in discussion with a third party and I can't find any details on them on companies house or looking for VAT. I assume that they are a sole trader but something doesn't feel right

Any input appreciated

 

[fisicx]

They could be using a trading name. But there is no register of sole traders.

 

[StevensOnln1]

There is no register of sole traders. HMRC won't confirm if they're registered as self employed, as that would be a breach of data protection. Have you asked for their company registration number?

 

[Newchodge]

I am in discussion with a third party and I can't find any details on them on companies house or looking for VAT. I assume that they are a sole trader but something doesn't feel right

Any input appreciated

Ask them. Presumably, if you are in discussion with them you are contemplating a relationship of some kind. So ask them!

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Ask them. Presumably, if you are in discussion with them you are contemplating a relationship of some kind. So ask them!

One of the most useful thing in business is relying on your gut instinct, never let the need to get involved stop you using your brain to consider it' may be a very bad buy you will regret later

Also dont think there is a way to increase profitability as in most cases the owner has already tried most solutions, if it was easy why did he not do it

 

[HFE Signs]

Also they could have ltd company but be trading under a different name for a specific activity - you could ask them and then do your research?

 

[Gecko001]

What do you mean by being in discussion with them? Are they a prospective partner?

 

[Mark T Jones]

You're in discussion, so ask!
.
Tax returns?
Bank statements?

 

[Deleted member 367548]

Yes potentially engaging in a contract with them

 

[Deleted member 367548]

Thanks for all the advice. Full reveal, hence why my gut instinct is telling me something is off. The discussions seem to have gone a bit slower since I started questioning certain bits (in a polite way) I won't go in to more detail in case they are on here, so its going o make it tricky to ask.

Thank you all for your input though, you all kind of confirmed my thinking anyway, so although its helpful to be validated, its a shame that there is no way to find out.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Thanks for all the advice. Full reveal, hence why my gut instinct is telling me something is off. The discussions seem to have gone a bit slower since I started questioning certain bits (in a polite way) I won't go in to more detail in case they are on here, so its going o make it tricky to ask.

Thank you all for your input though, you all kind of confirmed my thinking anyway, so although its helpful to be validated, its a shame that there is no way to find out.

Asking questions is a great way to weed out crooks and chancers - 95% will slope off the minute they realise you're not going to be a pushover.


FOMO, undoubtedly, but experience says if they aren't upfront with the basics, you've dodged a bullet. (In this case, if there has been any written communication- including email - it should have been clear who/what you are dealing with)

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Ask them what their status is.

If SE, ask for their UTR.

 

[Gecko001]

And remember, some people will simply lie. But I suppose that is why you want some sort of official means of finding out whether they are presently operating as a sole trader. If they say they are, and you suspect that they are not, then you could ask them to show their accounts for the last say three years and get your accountant to look at them.

 

[KeithGreen]

You can check if they are VAT registered https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/check-vat-number/enter-vat-details

Although of course if they are below £90k turnover they won't need to register.

 

[Deleted member 367548]

You can check if they are VAT registered

Although of course if they are below £90k turnover they won't need to register.

You need to know the VAT number for the gov site to work don't you?

 

[KeithGreen]

You need to know the VAT number for the gov site to work don't you?

Yes, but this should be shown on their stationery or website. Or ask them. As has been already said, if they are withholding information it sounds dodgy.