The advantages of being a sole trader

In this guide, the Harper James Solicitors team explains how both trading styles work, and why sole trading is the most popular choice for start-up businesses in the UK.

For more information about registering as a self-employed sole trader or for independent advice to help you evaluate the pros and cons, please get in touch with our lawyers for startups!

Benefits of running a sole trader business

When working as a sole trader, you are a self-employed person carrying on an individual business as the only owner.

Here are its primary advantages:

Simple to set up with low admin costs

Registering a limited company takes time. You’ll need to plan for the legal responsibilities of a directorship and deal with regulations around:

• Filing documents to record appointments or dismissals of directors
• Holding annual meetings and recording minutes
• Setting up a registered office address
• Producing records in the public domain
• Filing yearly corporation tax returns, confirmation statements, and annual accounts

But the good news is that the Companies Act rules don’t bind sole traders like they do with limited companies; meaning there’s substantially less admin involved in setting up your new business as a sole trader.

The basics involve registering as a self-employed person with HMRC and filing your annual self-assessment tax return, saving a great deal of paperwork!

Paying yourself as a sole trader

Sole traders own all their businesses. You can draw from your profits at any time and build your business as you see fit.

Provided you declare those deductions on your tax return, you have the freedom to manage your income as you wish, without needing to produce dividend vouchers or pay yourself a salary through a payroll system.

However, it’s wise to seek professional advice when you get started to ensure you’ve got a handle on your cash flow planning and tax liabilities.

Risk protection: sole trader vs limited company

Privacy and risk are critical considerations – with very different factors depending on which trading style you choose.

• Sole traders benefit from greater privacy since your business details aren’t public, and you can retain complete anonymity if you wish, but carry personal liability for the entire company.
• Limited company owners have a lower risk since the business is a separate legal entity, and they aren’t personally liable for company debts.

One option to counteract that risk when working as a sole trader is to look at insurances, such as unlimited liability coverage or long-term illness coverage. An excellent insurance product can be a good way of bringing your risks as a sole trader down to being in line with those of limited company owners.

Choosing between incorporating a business and trading as a sole proprietor

While we’ve explored some of the distinct plus points, it’s essential to recognise some disadvantages of sole trader status.

A key consideration is professionalism. New businesses may find that incorporating a company through Companies House lends credibility to their new venture – a decisive factor if you’re looking for investment or lending!

Business owners buying a property through a limited company tend to secure better mortgage rates, since lenders can easily verify their turnover and profit margins through publicly filed accounting information.

Suppose you feel torn between the ease of working as a sole trader and the security of incorporating a business. In that case, it’s crucial to seek professional advice to ensure you make the right choice.

As you turn your business plans into reality, we can help protect your business by ensuring you understand the commitments of the contracts you enter into.