If you claim to be self-employed, and intend to make your own tax and National Insurance arrangements, – you should download leaflet IR56 on employment status for tax and NICs from the HM Revenue and Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk. This will provide guidance on the necessary steps you need to take to establish your employment status. As an alternative you can call your local HM Revenue and Customs office.

If you are planning on using your home as a workplace, there are a number of considerations to be made such as how this may impact on your mortgage, home insurance, tax situation, local authority regulations and even your neighbours. See  the rest of our Working from Home section for more guides and advice.

See also: Checklist: Is starting a business for you?