OK, here's the deal. I am 14 (don't give me none of the "don't sytart a business yet" - I know people who have done and have been successful), and I am wanting to start up my own web design business.

I live in the UK, and coz the laws a different over here, I need to know everything that I have to do to start up - laws, paperwork, tax (do I pay it if I'm under 14?).

Please tell me this as it is very important to me. Thanks in advance, will7.

Can anyone tell me?

Surely someone can help me!!

Hi Will

I carnt help with specific UK laws but in general you should try and undertake the following steps.

1. Business Registration - At least make sure that your business is registered, that is the name you have chosen is registered as a business with the relevant authority.

2. Trademark - Probably now necasary just yet but you want to try and protect your business identity by registering your business name and/or logo as a trademark.

3. Tax - All businesses should pay tax i would think, I dont know that the laws would limit you to not haveing to pay tax due to your age, at least find out from the local tax agent or authority(your parents should be able to help you with finding who this is). At least make sure you ask what is needed and where you can find more information about this. You should be able to just cover most everything by having a personal tax number and submitting taxes like your parents at the end of each year.

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1: I'm about 80% sure we don't have to register our business name, but they recommend it for legal resons.
2: This isn't necessary, but later, I probably will get it.
3: We don't pay tax until we're16 (unless still i education). I asked my parents on this one

Im not much older than you will, and Ive just launched my webdesign business. I think 14s a great age to be starting, and I wish I did because then I would be alot more experienced today. Im sure the laws in Australia and England would be pretty similar ( i may be wrong) regarding registration and tax, Over here unless you make over $5000 a year you are exempt from paying tax. Also It costs $200 i think to register a business name and then you have to wait for at least a month. A good way to get around this is to call the business your own name, because then you dont have to pay to register it. I think before you launch your business (or even get started) you should build a portfolio. ie. make at least 3 websites for free. As I learnt the hard way, unless you have a portfolio you will not be taken seriously by anyone, and most businesses will not want their webpage designed by you.