Client lunches. Coffee after a meeting. A team meal at the end of a project. Are any of these costs tax-deductible? For sole traders, the tax treatment of “entertainment” has famously strict rules, but there are a few important exceptions. This guide explains what HMRC classifies as entertainment, when the expenditure is disallowable, when staff … Read more
Learn which training costs you can claim when self-employed, how HMRC treats them, what records to keep, and where to enter them on your tax return.
As a sole trader, you can deduct many business costs from your income and pay less tax. But what counts as a legitimate business expense?
Turnover is one key indicator and profit another although the two are not be confused. Our quick guide will explain exactly what turnover is, why it matters, and how to differentiate it from profit.
Find out how income protection works for sole traders. Learn cover limits, deferred periods and policy types if you can’t work due to illness or injury.
Plenty of people start a small business while still receiving benefits. It might be a side hustle alongside another job, or simply a way to test out self-employment without giving up support completely. The question we’re often asked at ByteStart is: can you register as self-employed while claiming Universal Credit or other benefits? The answer … Read more
Do sole traders need professional membership or registration? Learn which jobs are regulated and when joining a body can help your business.
Business rates are the non-domestic equivalent of council tax. How they are calculated, multipliers for 2025/26, and how small business rate relief works.
Jury service can disrupt work if you’re self-employed. Find out who is eligible, how to defer, what you can claim, and the impact on employers.
A clear guide to using a garden office for your start-up, including planning rules, costs, installation, connectivity and key tax considerations.