Sole trader

Formal Neutral

What it really means

The simplest way to be self-employed: you and the business are the same legal person. You keep the profits but are personally responsible for debts, and you report income through Self Assessment.

Chinese explanation

个体经营者（sole trader）：最简单的自雇形式：你和企业在法律上是同一人。利润归你，但债务由你个人承担，收入通过 Self Assessment 申报。

Example conversation

A: I've started doing freelance design. B: Register as a sole trader with HMRC — it's the easy option to start.

A：我开始接自由设计的活儿了。 B：到 HMRC 注册成个体经营者——起步最简单的选择。

What you could say back

“How do I register as a sole trader?”

Related phrases

Limited company Self Assessment UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference)

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

Opening a UK Bank Account as a Newcomer Part-Time Work for International Students: Jobs, Rules and Pay UK CVs and Interviews: Conventions, STAR Answers and What Employers Expect

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake