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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.
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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enhanced dbs check self-employed

Self-employed can now get Enhanced DBS checks without an employer

March 25, 2026
Guide to Enhanced DBS checks for self-employed people (since the 2026 legislation change), including eligibility, the application process, and costs.
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subsistence expenses self employed

Subsistence expenses for sole traders: meals, hotels and what you can claim

March 13, 2026
A guide to subsistence expenses for sole traders, including HMRC rules on claiming meals, drinks and accommodation while travelling for work purposes.
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sole trader insurance expenses

Can sole traders claim insurance premiums as a business expense?

March 9, 2026
Practical guide to which types of insurance sole traders can claim as expenses, including public liability, professional indemnity and income protection.
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Brand new ByteStart guides
  • Do you have to register with Companies House if you’re a sole trader?
  • How to register for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA)
  • Can you have multiple business bank accounts as a sole trader?
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