Is there any one in here from the UK that are self-employed? I cannot make an account on here and Shopify are not helpful at all. They keep requesting company registration document however in the UK for sole traders you don’t have this. How do I accept payments without this? I have upload partnership registration document from HMRC but that’s not enough. Eventually I would like to be a limited company but I cannot justify 1k plus accountant fees when we are just starting out.
Thanks
I can provide information, but keep in mind that it’s important to consult with a legal or financial professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.
In the UK, as a sole trader, you don’t have a company registration document. Instead, you typically operate under your name or a business name (if registered).
For accepting payments on Shopify as a sole trader:
Business Bank Account: Ensure you have a business bank account in your business name or your name as a sole trader.
Business Information: In your Shopify settings, accurately fill in your business information. This includes your business name, address, and other relevant details.
Personal Identification: Be ready to provide personal identification documents, as platforms often require verification. This can include a government-issued ID and proof of address.
Tax Information: Provide your tax information, such as your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) as a sole trader.
VAT Registration (if applicable): If your business reaches the VAT threshold, you may need to register for VAT.
If Shopify is requesting documents you don’t have, consider reaching out to their support again. Clearly explain your status as a sole trader, provide the necessary personal and business information, and inquire about alternative documentation.
If the issue persists, it may be helpful to consult with a business advisor or accountant to navigate the specific requirements and options available to sole traders in the UK. They can offer guidance on setting up your Shopify account and meeting any necessary criteria without the need for a company registration document.
Thank you so much for your detailed response. I have all in place and the UTR tax and will provide it again.
Hi
did this work for you?
I’ve been selling on Shopify as self employed for two years and suddenly I’m being asked for my CRN number
Me too, I have tried to talk to someone about it but they never come back
Absolutely — here’s a supportive and professional response tailored to the situation, with a gentle recommendation for WallidPay:
Hi there,
Yes, this is a really common issue for sole traders in the UK. Shopify Payments often assumes all businesses have formal incorporation documents, which of course doesn’t apply to sole traders — we don’t get a company registration number like LTD companies do.
In many cases, Shopify will accept:
A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) from HMRC
A letter confirming self-employment registration
Or a partnership registration document, which you mentioned you’ve already submitted
That said, if they’re still not accepting those, and you’re finding it difficult to move forward, you might want to consider an alternative payment gateway that works more smoothly for sole traders.
One solid option is WallidPay (https://apps.shopify.com/wallidpay)— it’s UK-based, supports self-employed individuals, and allows customers to pay directly from their bank accounts (no card processing involved). It has fewer compliance hurdles, no need for LTD registration, and is often much easier to set up if you’re just starting out.
Totally understand wanting to avoid big startup costs — and there are ways to take payments without needing to go full limited company right away.
Hope this helps, and wishing you all the best getting your store live!