When you first start up your new business there are a number of things that need to be done to stay on the right side of the tax man.  We recommend that you read this booklet from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/startingup/working-yourself.pdf 

There is also a lot of free help available on the Business Link website:

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1073858805&furlname=startingup&furlparam=startingup&ref=http%3A//www.hmrc.gov.uk/startingup/index.htm&domain=www.businesslink.gov.uk

Self-employed

If you are going to be self-employed you must register with HMRC as soon as you start your business.  There are penalties for not registering within 3 months.

You can register online at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/selfemployed/register-selfemp.htm

or you can complete an application form and send it to HMRC http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/cwf1.pdf

We can help you with these things if it all looks a bit daunting!