Supporting Britain’s small businesses since 2004
Independent guides, practical advice, news and free calculators 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
£100,000 tax trap calculator 2026/27
This calculator shows how the £100,000–£125,140 Personal Allowance taper works and why it can result in an effective marginal Income Tax rate of up to 60% on some types of income.
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Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) calculator 2026/27
Use this Business Asset Disposal Relief calculator to estimate the Capital Gains Tax due when you sell shares in your limited company or receive a capital distribution when the company close
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Limited company guide to directors and officers (D&O) insurance
Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance protects limited company directors from claims for alleged wrongful acts. What does it cover and do you need it?
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Public liability insurance for limited companies – is it a legal requirement?
Is public liability insurance compulsory for limited companies? Find out what it covers, when clients may require it and how to protect your business.
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Professional indemnity insurance for limited company directors
If you provide services to clients, what does professional indemnity insurance protect you against, and does your limited company need it?
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Do you need IR35 insurance? Qdos policy options explained
An IR35 enquiry can be a lengthy, complicated process. We look at Qdos insurance, including Legal Protection Insurance and TLC35 Tax Liability Cover.
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How the VAT Flat Rate Scheme works – and the limited cost trader rules
How the VAT Flat Rate Scheme works for small businesses, including sole traders and limited companies, and when the 16.5% limited cost trader rule applies.
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Running payroll for limited company directors – how PAYE works
One of a director’s most important tasks is to set up your company’s payroll - to pay salaries, and account for income tax and NIC liabilities.
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How to choose the right company director’s salary for 2026/27
We calculate how to work out the best salary level for limited company directors for 2026/27. Do you even have to pay company directors a salary at all?
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IR35 explained: does it affect your limited company?
IR35 has been a thorn in the side of limited companies who provide professional services since April 2000. What is IR35, and what are the Off Payroll rules?
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Corporation Tax for limited company directors – rates, deadlines and how to account for it
A clear 2026/27 guide to Corporation Tax for limited company directors – rates, deadlines, marginal relief explained and how to record it correctly.
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What is VAT, and do I need to register my limited company?
What is VAT and when does a limited company need to register? A clear guide to VAT registration thresholds, schemes, and deregistration rules.
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Managing HMRC Payments on Account as a company director
Payments on Account (for self assessment) explained for limited company directors – key deadlines, examples, and how to avoid interest or overpaying HMRC.
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Limited company directors – how do HMRC tax codes work?
In this guide, we explain what tax codes are, why they might change, and what to do if you think your tax code is incorrect.
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Self Assessment Tax Return guide for company directors (2026/27)
Limited company directors: Self Assessment basics, 2026/27 deadlines, payments on account, who needs to file, and how to avoid penalties.
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