Proof of being a sole trader

[cambridgeshire]

Hi, I will soon become a sole trader and I will want to buy goods from foreign wholesalers. The problem is that all of these foreign wholesalers want to see a written proof of me being a sole trader before doing any business with me. Can I require a kind of certificate or any other written proof (preferably on a letterhead paper) form any relevant UK bureau? Or will I get some kind of documentation (from HMRC or whatever other bureau) as part of the normal application process? Thank you.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Hi, I will soon become a sole trader and I will want to buy goods from foreign wholesalers. The problem is that all of these foreign wholesalers want to see a written proof of me being a sole trader before doing any business with me. Can I require a kind of certificate or any other written proof (preferably on a letterhead paper) form any relevant UK bureau? Or will I get some kind of documentation (from HMRC or whatever other bureau) as part of the normal application process? Thank you.

You may be able to show your Self Assessment tax reference number but that doesnt proove you are self employed - what about a letter from your accountant?

 

[cambridgeshire]

You may be able to show your Self Assessment tax reference number but that doesnt proove you are self employed - what about a letter from your accountant?

Well, as I am just about to apply for the sole trader/self employed status I have neither self assessment tax reference number nor an accountant. Will I promptly receive a tax reference number as part of the application? My problem is that without some kind of proof of being a sole trader I will not be able even the very first few items/goods to sell...

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Well, as I am just about to apply for the sole trader/self employed status I have neither self assessment tax reference number nor an accountant. Will I promptly receive a tax reference number as part of the application? My problem is that without some kind of proof of being a sole trader I will not be able even the very first few items/goods to sell...

You'll get some documentation from HM Revenue & Customs when you register as self employed that comes through within a few weeks normally, but whether that will suffice I dont know.

I've had a few clients in the past where I've confirmed that they've been self employed when necessary.