Resources

Guides & insights for UK self-employed people

Practical articles on UK tax, bookkeeping, and managing your finances as a sole trader. No jargon, no fluff.

UK Tax Guide

SA103S Expense Categories Explained — What Goes Where on Your Tax Return

A plain-English guide to the 8 HMRC expense categories on the SA103S form. Know exactly what you can claim as a UK sole trader, freelancer, or coach — with real examples and the common mistakes that cost people money.

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UK Tax Guide

Payments on Account Explained — Why Your Second Year Self-Employed Hits Harder

Your first January tax bill includes 50% of next year's estimated tax on top. Here's how Payments on Account work, a worked example with real numbers, and how to prepare so January isn't a crisis.

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UK Landlord Tax Guide

How Section 24 Actually Affects UK Landlords — Worked Examples at Every Tax Band

Since April 2020, mortgage interest is no longer deductible from rental income. Here's exactly how much more tax UK landlords pay — with worked examples at 20%, 40%, and 45% rates, plus the hidden trap that pushes you into a higher band.

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Self-Employment Guide

How Much Does a UK Accountant Cost for Self-Employed People? (And How to Reduce It)

UK accountant fees for sole traders range from £150 to £800+ per year. The biggest factor? How organised your records are. Here's the typical cost breakdown and five ways to cut your bill.

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UK Landlord Tax Guide

UK Landlord Tax: The Complete Guide to Rental Income, Allowable Expenses, and Section 24

Everything UK landlords need to know — what you can and can't claim, how Section 24 works, how to calculate your estimated tax bill, and the records HMRC expects you to keep.

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UK Tax Guide

Cash Basis vs Traditional Accounting — Which Should You Use as a UK Sole Trader?

Since April 2024, cash basis is the default for UK sole traders. But is it right for you? This guide explains the difference, who benefits from each, and when switching to traditional accounting might make sense.

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Making Tax Digital

Making Tax Digital for Sole Traders — What It Is, Who It Affects, and What to Do Now

From April 2026, MTD for Income Tax is mandatory for sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000. Here's everything you need to know — what changes, when, and your 5-step action plan to get ready without the stress.

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UK Tax Guide

Work From Home Tax Expenses: What UK Sole Traders Can Actually Claim

Working from home? Most sole traders claim less than half of what they are entitled to. A complete guide to the proportion method, flat rate, and every eligible expense — with a real worked example showing £4,000+ in deductions.

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Getting Started

How to Register as Self-Employed in the UK: Complete 2026 Guide

Step-by-step guide to registering with HMRC as a sole trader. Your UTR number, the 5 October deadline, National Insurance classes, and the four most common mistakes that lead to penalties.

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Business Structure

Sole Trader vs Limited Company: The Honest Financial Comparison

The tax saving from incorporating is often wiped out by higher accountancy costs below £60,000 profit. Here is the real comparison with worked numbers, liability differences, and exactly when incorporation makes financial sense.

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Tax Calendar

UK Self-Employed Tax Deadlines 2026/27: Every Date You Need to Know

From the 5 October registration deadline to the 31 January filing date, the July Payment on Account and VAT quarters — every date a UK sole trader needs, with what happens if you miss them.

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