Supporting Britain’s small businesses since 2004
Independent guides, practical advice and news for people starting, running and growing a UK business — from sole traders to limited company owners.
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
Limited company business insurance – what cover do you need?
A practical guide to insurance for UK limited companies - what the law requires, what clients may insist on, and the policies worth considering.
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Limited company business bank accounts: how to choose
How to choose a business bank account for your UK limited company, including fees, account eligibility, directors' checks,…
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Budget 2026 halves Business Asset Disposal Relief limit to £500,000
The Budget cuts the Business Asset Disposal Relief lifetime limit to £500,000 from April 2027. What will it…
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Budget 2026 live – how will it affect small businesses?
Follow Budget 2026 news affecting small businesses, sole traders and limited company directors, with confirmed pre-Budget measures and…
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Trading allowance explained – £1,000 now, £3,000 from April 2027
How the UK trading allowance works, who can use it, when to register with HMRC, and what changes…
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Mileage allowance for sole traders – 2026/27 rates and April 2027 changes
Mileage allowance for sole traders in 2026/27: current HMRC mileage rates, qualifying journeys, record-keeping requirements and tracking apps.
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Business rates and small business rate relief explained
Business rates are the non-domestic equivalent of council tax. How they are calculated, multipliers for 2025/26, and how…
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Tide small business bank account review (£50 cashback)
Our 2026 Tide business account review. Tide is used by over 1.5m UK businesses. See how the free…
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Can you cancel or pause your business insurance if you stop trading?
You’ve decided to stop working for a while. Maybe you’re taking a few months off, returning to employment,…
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Nearly one in three UK startups now use freelancers or fractional workers
Almost a third of UK startups now use freelancers or part-time specialists instead of relying solely on permanent…
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What happens if your income falls below the MTD threshold?
Has your dropped below the Making Tax Digital threshold? Find out if you can leave MTD for Income…
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Joint business bank accounts – are they right for your partnership?
Considering a joint business bank account for your partnership? We look at the benefits, risks and which providers…
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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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