How To Register As A Self-Employed Carer In 5 Steps

Getting Set Up - Where Do I Start?

Becoming self-employed sounds complicated, but it’s not as scary as it looks. You don’t need to know everything upfront — you just need to get the basics in place so you can work confidently and legally. This guide answers the most common questions carers ask when starting out.

Do I Need to Register Right Away?

Not immediately. You only need to register with HMRC by 5th October in your second tax year.

For example:

If you start caring in March 2025, you need to register by 5th October 2025.

That gives you breathing room — just make a note of the date you took on your first client.

What Does It Actually Mean to Be Self-Employed?

You’re not an employee - you work for yourself. That means:

• You set your hours and rates
• You’re responsible for paying your own tax and National Insurance
• You complete a self-assessment tax return once a year

You don’t need to be a registered company or set up a business name — most carers just trade as a sole trader.

Why It Matters

Being properly registered shows families and clients that:

• You take your work seriously
• You’re fully responsible for your own tax
• There’s no risk to them if they’re paying you with direct payments

It also protects you if you’re asked to prove your self-employed status.

Do I Need an Accountant?

No, but it helps. Especially in your first year.

An accountant can:

• Submit your tax return
• Tell you what you owe and when
• Check your income/expenses and flag anything you missed

They’ll need your:

• NI number
• Date of birth
• UTR code (you get this after registering)

You’ll get a letter with a one-time authorisation code — just pass this to your accountant.

PocketCarer Can Help You Stay on Track

Use PocketCarer to:

• Log your income and send invoices
• Record expenses and upload receipts
• Track mileage (for tax deductions)

This keeps your records ready for your accountant — or makes completing your tax return much easier if you do it yourself.

Quick Checklist to Stay Organised

Register with HMRC once you’ve started workingTrack your income, mileage and expenses from day oneKeep 20–25% of what you earn aside for taxSubmit your tax return on time each year (usually by 31 January)Use the PocketCarer app to stay on top of everything

Final Thought

You don’t need to know everything. Just take it one step at a time. Registering as self-employed is a formality — what matters most is doing the work well. If you need help, PocketCarer is here to support you every step of the way.