Registering as a sole trader whilst employed

[dulwich1980]

Hello

Looking for some advise here. I'm a designer and am currently in full time employment. I will be leaving work in October to go freelance, however so I don't make the jump without a pipeline of clients, I'm starting to take on 'private' work to make the transition from employed - self employed as painless as possible.

My question is, do i need to register as a Sole Trader now or can this be left until October. If I do need to register now, will me current employers find out?

Thanks in advance

 

[Scalloway]

You should register as soon as you start trading. There is no reason for your employer to know.

 

[Mosschops]

Unless within your contract is says that you may not work for another business.... and I trust you aren't going to compete directly (a polite way of saying 'take customers with you'!)

 

[BusinessFlow]

It doesn't suit all situations, but you could try working through an agency, they could handle all your payslips and PAYE etc...

Regards
Phil

 

[Remote Resources]

It doesn't suit all situations, but you could try working through an agency, they could handle all your payslips and PAYE etc...

Regards
Phil

I'm not sure how that would be of benefit if he is trying to establish the business and get his own clients.

The rules are that you must register with HMRC as soon as you start trading. Your employers do not need to know at all unless you want to tell them.