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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.
sole trader pensions

How do pensions work if you’re a sole trader?

April 17, 2026
Starting a pension to save for your retirement is fairly easy to do. Here’s what you need to know about setting up a pension in 2026/27 as a sole trader.
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charity donate sole trader gift aid

Can sole traders give to charity and get tax relief?

April 12, 2026
If you're self-employed, it is easy to make charitable donations, but they aren't treated in the same way as other business expenses.
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sole trader class 2 4 nic

What National Insurance do self-employed people pay in 2026/27?

April 6, 2026
Find out how National Insurance works for sole traders, including Class 2/4 rates, how to pay, and how it differs from employee and limited company rules.
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self employed tax

How tax works if you’re self-employed (2026/27)

April 3, 2026
In this guide, we look at the taxes the self-employed pay. We also look at some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to dealing with HMRC.
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split salary dividends company

The best salary and dividend split for directors in 2026/27

April 2, 2026
Most company directors are paid an annual salary, and draw down profits as dividends. What is the optimal salary/dividend split in 2026/27?
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limited company tax calculator

Limited Company Tax Calculator – 2026/27

April 2, 2026
If you're a company director, this calculator will work out your net profits, after expenses and tax. You can distribute the profits as dividends.
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state pension sole trader gaps

Being self-employed and the State Pension – NI rules, rates and filling gaps

April 1, 2026
How the State Pension works if you’re self-employed, including NI rates, qualifying years, how to fill gaps, and why you may need extra retirement savings.
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sole trader tax calculator

Sole trader tax and National Insurance calculator – 2026/27

April 1, 2026
Calculate how much tax you’ll pay as a sole trader in 2026/27, including income tax and National Insurance, based on your business profits after expenses.
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dividend tax limited company

Limited company dividend tax guide – 2026/27 tax year

April 1, 2026
Here's how company dividends are taxed, and how you calculate the amount of tax you need to pay on your dividends.
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badr sole trader entrepreneurs relief

Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) – 10%, then 14%, now 18%

April 1, 2026
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) reduces your capital gains tax bill if you sell your business. How does BADR works and what are the current rates?
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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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