Set up a business partnership
Register the partnership
You must register your partnership for Self Assessment with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you鈥檙e the 鈥榥ominated partner鈥�. This means you鈥檙e responsible for sending the partnership tax return.
The other partners need to register separately.
All partners also need to send their own tax returns as individuals.
You must register by 5 October in your business鈥檚 second tax year, or you could be charged a penalty.
Example
If you started a partnership or became a partner during the 2024 to 2025 tax year, you must register before 5 October 2025.
Other ways to register
You can also register the partnership using form SA400 if you cannot register online. You can register as a partner using form SA401.
Registering for VAT
You must also register for VAT if your VAT taxable turnover is more than 拢90,000. You can choose to register if it鈥檚 below this, for example to reclaim VAT on business supplies.
You can appoint an agent to deal with HMRC on your behalf.
After you鈥檝e registered
You鈥檒l need to keep records so you鈥檙e able to fill in:听听听
- the partnership return - if you鈥檙e the nominated partner听听听
- your individual Self Assessment tax return听 - everyone in the partnership must do this听
The nominated partner should complete the partnership return as soon as possible, so the other partners are able to use this information to complete their individual Self Assessment tax return. Find out how to get help with your tax return.听
You can send your return any time after 5 April to the filing deadline.听听
If you send the partnership return late, each individual in the partnership will have to pay a penalty.
You must then pay your Self Assessment tax bill by 31 January. Find out how to prepare for your bill.