Sole trader & Trading Name(s)

[NFSH_79]

Afternoon Peeps,

Apologies for this as sure I know the answer already....

I'm a Sole Trader - VAT Registered in my own name but I trade under another name related to the items I sell.

I'm looking to start selling other items that are in a different area/category (not sure what to call them, but unrelated to current market) and thus want to trade under another name for these.

Is it cool to just do this?

Cheers muchly N

 

[StevensOnln1]

You can trade under as many names as you like, but as a sole trader it is you that is registered for VAT rather than your trading name.

 

[NFSH_79]

Cheers muchly, that is what I thought TBH

HMRC do have my T/A for current name - do I need to tell them of the new one also (once I decide fully)?

N

 

[Tables Force]

HMRC do have my T/A for current name - do I need to tell them of the new one also (once I decide fully)?

Presumably you already do a Self-Assessment tax return, so on the next one you just add this on (the correct answer would, I think, be that you need to file a seperate Self-Employment form for each trade).

 

[Mark T Jones]

I tend to view trading styles like nicknames - you probably have different people call you by different names - but legally you only have one identity

 

[DontAsk]

Trading style should also be on your invoices, etc., e.g., in a footer <real name> T/A <business name>.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Please remember that the names you use are not protected and anyone can use them.

Registering the name as a limited company will not protect them

The only protection is registration via the IPO.