Clear, practical help for the self-employed
UK guides for sole traders, freelancers and anyone starting out on their own — covering HMRC, tax returns, expenses, banking, insurance and pensions.
Guides for sole traders and the self-employed
Start with the subject you need help with.
01
Getting started
Becoming self-employed, registering with HMRC and setting up your business.
02
Tax & HMRC
Self Assessment, National Insurance, VAT and Making Tax Digital.
03
Accounts & expenses
Bookkeeping, allowable expenses, invoices and getting paid.
04
Business banking
Choosing an account, comparing charges and protecting your money.
05
Business insurance
Public liability, professional indemnity and other business cover.
06
Pensions
SIPPs, pension tax relief and saving for retirement when you work for yourself.
07
Protecting yourself
Income protection, private healthcare and financial protection.
Also
Limited companies
Separate guides for company directors, tax, accounts and Companies House.
Latest ByteStart guides
Joint business bank accounts – are they right for your partnership?
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Getting a mortgage as a sole trader vs. limited company director
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to prove your income to get a mortgage. Here’s how the process works…
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The best accounting software for sole traders (2026)
Sole traders can choose from a host of online accounting software packages. These tools help manage your finances…
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Self-Employed Tax Calculator 2026/27
Calculate how much tax you’ll pay as a sole trader in 2026/27, including income tax and National Insurance,…
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How to become self-employed: what you need to do
Thinking of going self-employed? Here are some practical steps to help you register, set up, and start trading…
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Sole trader tax: a guide for the self-employed
In this guide, we look at the taxes the self-employed pay. We also look at some common mistakes…
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10 advantages of setting up a limited company in 2026
Thinking of starting a business? Discover the 10 key benefits of forming a UK limited company in 2026,…
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Self-employed can now get Enhanced DBS checks without an employer
Guide to Enhanced DBS checks for self-employed people (since the 2026 legislation change), including eligibility, the application process,…
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How much should you pay for an accountant if you’re self-employed?
Guide to typical sole trader accountant fees, what's included, and how to choose the right accountancy service for…
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Tax-efficient ways to pay yourself through a limited company
We asked a leading accountant to outline the tax-effective ways you can pay yourself via your own limited…
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Can I claim clothing as a business expense if I’m self-employed?
Find out when you can claim clothing as a self-employed business expense, including uniforms, PPE and what HMRC…
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How do pensions work if you’re a sole trader?
Starting a pension to save for your retirement is fairly easy to do. Here’s what you need to…
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How to set up in business as a partnership in 2026
How to set up and run a business partnership - including legal considerations, how to choose a name,…
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Does a one-off large job count towards the VAT threshold?
A single large contract can push your taxable turnover over the VAT threshold. Here’s how the rules work,…
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What happens if you go over the VAT threshold by mistake?
If you accidentally go over the VAT threshold, you may need to register retrospectively and pay VAT from…
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