Supporting Britain’s small businesses since 2004
Independent guides, practical advice, news and free calculators for people starting, running and growing a UK business — from sole traders to limited company owners.
Guides for sole traders and the self-employed
Start with the subject you need help with.
01
Getting started
Becoming self-employed, registering with HMRC and setting up your business.
02
Tax & HMRC
Self Assessment, National Insurance, VAT and Making Tax Digital.
03
Accounts & expenses
Bookkeeping, allowable expenses, invoices and getting paid.
04
Business banking
Choosing an account, comparing charges and protecting your money.
05
Business insurance
Public liability, professional indemnity and other business cover.
06
Pensions
SIPPs, pension tax relief and saving for retirement when you work for yourself.
07
Protecting yourself
Income protection, private healthcare and financial protection.
Also
Limited companies
Separate guides for company directors, tax, accounts and Companies House.
Latest ByteStart guides
How I made digital tax work for my microbusiness via Quickfile | Eddie Adams Nottingham business owner
Nottingham business owner Eddie Adams shares how he adapted to MTD for Income Tax, and how he uses accounting software to keep records and file digitally.
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Do directors also have to be shareholders in a limited company?
We explain whether directors must also be shareholders (or vice versa) and the differences between these two crucial…
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UK freelancers confident about 2026 despite tax hikes and tough economy
Despite the difficult economic climate, higher taxes and new regulations, the UK's freelancers are confident about 2026, according…
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Employers’ liability insurance – rules for sole traders and limited companies
If you are a sole trader with no employees, you don't have to take out employers’ liability cover.…
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Intellectual property (IP) for small businesses: what you need to know
A practical guide to intellectual property for small businesses, covering trademarks, copyright, patents and design rights, plus common…
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Using Xero for Making Tax Digital (MTD for Income Tax) as a sole trader
A practical guide to using Xero for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. See how it works under…
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Why accounting software is essential for Making Tax Digital (MTD)
Making Tax Digital (for Income Tax) starts in April 2026. We explain why accounting software matters and can…
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Sole traders eye ’40 hour’ time saving as MTD countdown begins
New research suggests many sole traders hope the shift to digital tax reporting will finally ease the end-of-January…
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From annual returns to quarterly updates: MTD for sole traders
MTD for Income Tax begins in April 2026. We explain how quarterly reporting affects sole traders, the £50,000…
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Do you need an accountant if you’re self-employed (sole trader)?
Do you need an accountant when self-employed? Learn when to DIY, when to hire help, and how a…
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Salary sacrifice explained for limited companies: what’s changing in 2029?
Salary sacrifice can reduce tax for employees and employers. Understand the rules, benefits, and major pension changes coming…
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Cybersecurity for the self-employed: What you need to know to keep data safe
Self-employment is an important, but often neglected, part of the economy. According to the Office for National Statistics,…
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Sole trader vs limited company – pros and cons explained
Should you run your business as a sole trader or set up a limited company? We explain the…
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How to register as self-employed with HMRC – the key steps
You’re self-employed if you work for yourself and aren’t paid through PAYE. If you earn more than £1,000…
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What is the £120,000 FSCS and does it apply to business bank accounts?
We look at what the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is and how it protects sole trader and…
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