Sole trader business name change

[CAGW]

Hi all,

I’m aware variations of this question have been asked before, but any advice would be much appreciated.

I started a new business as a sole trader a few months ago. When registering the business on the HMRC site, I registered my own name as my trading name. A couple of months in, and I’ve thought of a business name I’d like to trade as instead.

I’ve read on these forums how as sole trader this isn’t really a big deal. But I understand I must write my business name on all invoices. So what do I write on invoices? The new name I thought of, or the name I chose when registering the business with HMRC (ie my own name)? And do I need to notify HMRC of this change?

Thanks a lot

 

[Scalloway]

You have to disclose your own name if you are using a trading name. There is a box on the self assessment form where you notify HMRC of the change of trading name.

 

[StevensOnln1]

Put your trading name at the top of the invoice, but make sure you also put "Your Trading Name is a trading name of Your Name" or words to that effect somewhere.