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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.
claim mileage self employed

Mileage allowance for sole traders: HMRC rules and rates (2025/26)

July 31, 2025
G-uide to mileage allowance for sole traders in 2025/26 – including HMRC rates, what journeys qualify, how to keep records, and the best tracking tools.
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hmrc trading allowance 1000

What is the £1,000 trading allowance – how does it work?

July 29, 2025
How the UK trading allowance works, who can use it, when to register with HMRC, and what changes with the new £3,000 threshold from 2027.
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pay salary sole trader

Can I pay myself a salary if I’m a sole trader?

July 28, 2025
Can pay yourself a salary as a sole trader? Learn how drawings work, what HMRC expects, and how to manage tax and NI when you're self-employed.
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open bank account before start trading

Can you open a business bank account before you start trading?

July 28, 2025
Find out if you can open a business bank account before you start trading, and what banks need to see before activating your account.
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po box for business

Can sole traders use a PO Box as a business address?

July 28, 2025
Using a PO Box sounds simple, but it won’t work for everything. Here’s what HMRC, banks and marketplaces require if you're self-employed.
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home expenses self employed sole trader

Home office expenses for the self-employed: what you can claim

July 27, 2025
Self-employed and working from home? Learn how to claim household expenses, including rent, utilities, and simplified flat rates.
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data protection self employed

Data protection for the self-employed – what you need to know

July 27, 2025
Even if you’re self-employed, UK GDPR still applies. We explain what data protection means for sole traders and freelancers, with simple, practical tips.
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employ family members self employed

Can sole traders pay family to help with the business?

July 26, 2025
It’s something a lot of small business owners end up wondering: “Can I just pay my partner to help with admin?” “Can my teenager help out at the weekend and…
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accounting software or spreadsheet

Should you use accounting software or stick with spreadsheets?

July 26, 2025
Thinking of switching from spreadsheets to accounting software? The pros and cons of both options for sole traders and other small business owners.
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insurance hire sub contractors freelancers

Do you need insurance if you hire subcontractors or freelancers?

July 25, 2025
If you hire subcontractors or freelancers, your business insurance may need to change. Find out when you need employers’ or public liability cover.
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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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