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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.
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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claim mileage self employed

Mileage allowance for sole traders: HMRC rules and rates (2026/27)

July 31, 2025
G-uide to mileage allowance for sole traders in 2026/27 – 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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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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Brand new ByteStart guides
  • Simplified expenses – how to claim flat-rate business costs as a sole trader
  • Can you run multiple sole trader businesses at the same time?
  • Claiming capital allowances as a sole trader: what’s allowed
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