What information do I need to register as self-employed?

You need your full name, date of birth, National Insurance (NI) number, UK address, contact details, business type (e.g., delivery rider, courier, freelancer), and start date of self-employment.

What are my tax responsibilities as a self-employed delivery rider?

You need to pay Income Tax on earnings above the Personal Allowance (£12,570 for 2025/26), Class 2 NICs if profits exceed £6,725 per year, and Class 4 NICs if profits exceed £12,570 per year. You must submit a Self Assessment tax return by 31st January each year.

How to Register as Self-Employed with HMRC | rider support

Q: Do I need to register as self-employed with HMRC?

If you earn more than £1,000 per tax year from self-employment (April to April), you must register with HMRC. Even if you earn below this threshold, registering may be beneficial for tax purposes and eligibility for certain benefits.

Q: Do I need to register for VAT?

If your annual turnover exceeds £90,000 (as of 2025), you must register for VAT. Most delivery riders won't need to do this, but it's good to be aware of the threshold.

If you're working as a delivery rider in the UK, you'll likely be classified as self-employed. This means you're responsible for managing your own taxes and National Insurance contributions. To stay compliant with HMRC regulations, you must register as self-employed. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Check if You Need to Register

If you earn more than £1,000 per tax year from self-employment (April to April), you must register with HMRC. Even if you earn below this threshold, registering may be beneficial for tax purposes and eligibility for certain benefits.

Step 2: Gather Your Information

Before registering, make sure you have the following details:

Full name
Date of birth
National Insurance (NI) number
UK address
Contact details
Business type (e.g., delivery rider, courier, freelancer)
Start date of self-employment

Step 3: Register Online

Go to the HMRC website (gov.uk/register-self-employed)
Sign in with or create a Government Gateway account
Follow the prompts to register as self-employed and for Self Assessment
Once registered, you will receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number within 10 working days (or longer if overseas)

Step 4: Set Up Your Online HMRC Account

After receiving your UTR, you can set up your online Self Assessment account to manage tax returns and payments.

Step 5: Understand Your Tax Responsibilities

Income Tax: You will need to pay tax on earnings above the Personal Allowance (£12,570 for 2025/26)
National Insurance Contributions (NICs):
- Class 2 NICs if your profits are above £6,725 per year
- Class 4 NICs if your profits exceed £12,570 per year
Tax Returns: You must submit a Self Assessment tax return by 31st January each year (for the previous tax year)
Payment Deadlines:
- 31st January: Pay your tax bill for the previous year
- 31st July: If applicable, make a second payment on account

Step 6: Keep Records of Your Earnings

HMRC requires you to keep accurate records of your income and expenses. Consider using accounting software or apps like QuickBooks, FreeAgent, or a simple spreadsheet to track earnings and expenses.

Step 7: Consider VAT Registration (If Needed)

If your annual turnover exceeds £90,000 (as of 2025), you must register for VAT. Most delivery riders won't need to do this, but it's good to be aware of the threshold.

Step 8: Get Support If Needed

If you're unsure about tax obligations, you can seek help from:

HMRC's Self-Employed Helpline
Tax accountants or financial advisors
Online resources such as gov.uk

By following these steps, you'll ensure that you are registered properly and compliant with HMRC regulations while working as a delivery rider. Keeping on top of taxes can save you from unexpected fines and make tax season stress-free!