A simple step by step guide for your cleaning businesses
At Wecasa, we work with independent, selfemployed cleaners. UK tax rules mean you must be registered for Self Assessment before you can work with us.
Don’t worry — thousands of people do this every year.
This page explains exactly what to do, step by step.
Why Wecasa asks for your UTR
Your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is a 10 digit number that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) give you when you register for Self Assessment. It’s your personal tax ID and identifies you in the tax system.
Wecasa asks for your UTR because:
it’s a legal requirement and it shows you are registered for Self Assessment tax with HMRC
it supports you to work compliantly for tax purposes as a cleaner
Wecasa does not use your UTR to calculate or take tax from your payments – your tax remains your responsibility.
➡️ You only get a UTR after you register for Self Assessment.
What is Self Assessment?
Self Assessment is how HMRC collects tax from people who work for themselves.
If you are a Wecasa cleaning business, you are usually:
self employed
paid without tax being automatically deducted
responsible for telling HMRC about your income
That means you must:
register for Self Assessment
get a UTR
send a tax return each year telling HMRC how much you earned
Step by step: how to register for Self Assessment (online – recommended)
Best option: Register online – it’s the quickest and easiest way
⏱️ Takes about 20 minutes to apply
Step 1: Get your information ready 🧑💻
To use HMRC online services, you’ll need a GOV.UK One Login or Government Gateway account. If you don’t already have an online account, you can create it during registration.
Most people set this up online using photo ID and a quick face scan on their phone.
You will need:
✅ an email address
✅ your National Insurance number
✅ photo ID (passport or driving licence)
✅ the date you started working as a self-employed cleaner
✅ name, address and date of birth
✅ 20 minutes of uninterrupted time
Step 2: Register online with HMRC 🤳
Go to this official HMRC page:
👉 Register for Self Assessment – GOV.UK
You will:
sign in or create a One Login or Government Gateway account
choose “I am selfemployed”
fill in the online form
submit your registration
If you cannot register online you can complete CWF1 online form, print it and then post it to HMRC. You do not need an online account to use the form.
If you cannot use online services or have a disability that means you cannot complete the process, you can call the Self Assessment helpline and ask for the extra support service.
⏰ Tip: Register early to avoid delays.
You do not need to pay to register
You do not need to be an accountant or tax expert to do this
If you’ve done Self Assessment in the past
If you’ve completed a UK tax return before, you already have a UTR. You don’t need to register again, but you will need to reactivate your Self Assessment account if you didn’t complete a tax return last year. You can do this by following the registration process.
Step 3: Receive your UTR by post 📩
After you register, HMRC will:
send you a letter which will include your UTR
usually within 10-15 working days
sometimes up to 21 days
HMRC does not email or text your UTR. You may be able to see it sooner on the HMRC app.
If you lose your UTR, you can find it online in your HMRC online account, the HMRC app or on previous letters HMRC sent you.
Step 4: Give your UTR to Wecasa 📲
Once you have your UTR:
enter your 10 digit UTR on the Wecasa Pro app as soon as possible
Send Wecasa a photo or scan of the letter from HMRC showing your name and UTR number
keep the letter from HMRC safe for the future
If you’re unsure what to upload or where to enter your UTR in Wecasa, our support team is happy to help.
Step 5: Submit your online tax return and pay by 31 January 📆
Registering for Self Assessment means you’ll need to submit a tax return every year.
This is the way you tell HMRC how much you earned and pay any tax you owe.
You must also keep basic records of your income during the year so you can complete your tax return accurately.
You’ll need to submit your online tax return and pay any tax owed by 31 January after the tax year ends. The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April.
You can submit your online tax return using the free service at: www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns.
Usually self-employed cleaners don’t owe much tax, especially if cleaning is their only income and they claim allowable expenses like equipment, protective clothing and cleaning supplies.
For help with your tax return
GOV.UK information - including helpsheets and videos
YouTube - HMRC has videos covering registration and set up, step-by-step guides to completing your tax return and much more
HMRC live webinars - where you can ask questions or if you can’t join, you can watch recorded webinars on demand
email updates — subscribe to HMRC email updates so you don’t miss out on the latest information on Self Assessment
If you submit your tax return late, HMRC usually charges an automatic £100 penalty even if you do not owe any tax. So, remember to be on time.
Getting help with Self Assessment
HMRC offers lots of information and support which includes:
HMRC’s digital assistant — the assistant will help you find information, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for you can ask to speak to an adviser during opening hours
the HMRC app and the HMRC online account — you can instantly find your Unique Taxpayer Reference, make a Self Assessment payment, get your National Insurance number, your employment income and history for your tax return.
if you need extra support to help your with Self Assessment because you can’t use online services, or have a disability or health condition that makes it hard for you to do your tax return, you can contact a voluntary or community sector organisation who can provide help and advice, or you can get support directly from HMRC
FAQ:
I’ve just started with Wecasa. Do I need a UTR now?
Yes. If you are working as a selfemployed cleaner, you should register as soon as possible. Don’t wait, do it now.
I earn a small amount. Do I still need to register?
Yes. Wecasa still requires a UTR to confirm you’re registered with HMRC. You will need to complete a tax return to show how much you earn. If HMRC later confirms you do not need to send a return, they will tell you.
Can someone help me register?
Yes. You can:
ask a trusted friend or family member to help
use an accountant or tax adviser – they usually charge a fee
I lost my UTR. What should I do?
You can:
check your HMRC online account or the HMRC app
look at old HMRC letters
Official guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/find-lost-utr-number
Is the UTR the same as the National Insurance number?
No.
National Insurance number is for work and benefits
UTR is for tax and Self Assessment
They are different numbers.
Can I start working before I have my UTR?
No. Under current requirements, Wecasa must verify your tax status before you can accept cleaning sessions.
👉 Apply as soon as possible — most people receive their UTR within 10-15 working days.
What if I already have a UTR from a previous job?
You don't need a new one. You can find your UTR on an old tax return or letters from HMRC, in your HMRC online account or the HMRC app.
If you didn’t complete a tax return last year, you just need to reactivate your Self Assessment. You can do this online by following the registration process.
I’ve never done a tax return before – is it complicated?
It can seem daunting, but the free HMRC online service guides you through it step by step. HMRC also offers free webinars and online support.
Can I claim the cost of products and equipment in my tax return?
Yes. Cleaning products, equipment and other genuine business costs can be claimed as expenses, which reduces the amount of tax you pay. Keep your receipts and records.