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Posts by ByteStart

About ByteStart
ByteStart is one of the most popular growth business sites in the UK. We publish no-nonsense guides and practical help for start-ups and growing businesses, with a focus on the self-employed (sole traders). The site was set up by James Leckie and Emyr Williams in 2004. Over the past 25 years, the team behind ByteStart has also developed some of the most popular business sites in the UK. For more details, see the About ByteStart page.
questions accountant sole trader

15 smart questions to ask before choosing an accountant

August 6, 2025
Thinking of hiring an accountant? Here are 15 smart questions to help sole traders choose the right one - plus tips on fees, software, and switching.
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payment terms invoice

What payment terms should I use when invoicing clients?

August 5, 2025
Setting the right payment terms helps you get paid faster. Learn what terms to use, how to handle big clients, and what UK law says about late payments.
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overdue invoice sole trader

Chasing unpaid invoices as a sole trader: practical steps and your legal rights

August 5, 2025
Unpaid invoice? This guide for UK sole traders explains how to chase late payments, what the law says, and what to do if a client still doesn’t pay.
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flat rate vat self employed

How the Flat Rate VAT Scheme works (and the Limited Cost Trader rule)

August 5, 2025
Guide to the Flat Rate VAT Scheme for sole traders and small businesses. How it works, the latest HMRC rules, and when the Limited Cost Trader rate applies.
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late payment 2026

Crackdown on late payments: key changes for small business owners

August 1, 2025
The government is cracking down on late payments from 2026. Learn what the new rules mean for small firms, and how to protect your business.
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pre trading backdate expenses sole trader

Can I backdate business expenses before I registered as self-employed?

August 1, 2025
Can you claim business expenses before registering as self-employed? Find out what HMRC allows, the time limits, and how to record pre-trading costs.
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what date business start trading hmrc

When does your business officially start trading?

August 1, 2025
Unsure when your business officially starts? This guide explains how HMRC defines the start of trading, with examples of what does and doesn’t count.
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companies house what is

What is Companies House? Functions, forms and director obligations

August 1, 2025
Learn what Companies House does, the main forms and filings it requires, and the key responsibilities of limited company directors.
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capital allowances self employed AIA

Claiming capital allowances as a sole trader – what’s allowed

August 1, 2025
A practical guide to capital allowances for sole traders, including what you can claim, current rates, and how the rules differ from limited companies.
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register for making tax digital MTD

How to register for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA)

July 31, 2025
Learn how to sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax as a sole trader. Step-by-step guide, software tips, and what you need to register.
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Brand new ByteStart guides
  • Subsistence expenses for sole traders: meals, hotels and what you can claim
  • Can sole traders claim insurance premiums as a business expense?
  • Can sole traders claim car or van repair costs as a business expense?
bright ideas sole trader accountant



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