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
Small company owners hit hard by April 2026 dividend tax increase
In today's Autumn Budget, the Chancellor confirmed that the basic and higher rates of dividend tax will rise by two percentage points from April 2026.
Read the guideAutumn Budget ’25 – Chancellor hammers small business owners again
The Chancellor has delivered her Autumn Budget and confirmed a long list of tax and spending changes that…
Read the guideWillow Ethos – unlocking staff potential in small businesses
Bytestart spoke to Willow Ethos founders Paul and Matthew Bennett to talk how behavioural analysis and culture alignment…
Read the guideIncrease in home-based side hustles raises questions for insurers
New data suggests parents may need to check their home insurance policy terms if an adult child returns…
Read the guideHMRC reminds Christmas side hustlers to check if they need to pay tax
HMRC has issued a festive reminder to anyone making extra money from market stalls and other seasonal side…
Read the guideAutumn Budget 2025: Small businesses braced for major tax hikes
Tax rises on income, dividends and VAT could feature in the November Budget. Here’s what small business owners…
Read the guideHow do student loan repayments work if you’re a sole trader?
How do student loan repayments work when you’re self-employed?. Find out how HMRC calculates what you owe, and…
Read the guideWhat happens if I register as self-employed late?
In this guide, we explain the official rules, how HMRC treats late registration, the potential penalties, and what…
Read the guide31st October paper Self Assessment deadline: who it applies to
The paper Self Assessment deadline is 31st October. Find out who can still file on paper, what happens…
Read the guide2025 Autumn Budget predictions for the self-employed, by a tax expert
As the Chancellor prepares the 2025 Autumn Statement, self-employed people need to be prepared for some of the…
Read the guide5 common pitfalls new small UK property investors make – and how to avoid them with Marco Robinson
We spoke to Marco Robinson, a veteran UK property mogul, about why property remains a secure small business…
Read the guideNew Google AI initiative aims to give UK small businesses back a day a week
Google says AI tools like Gemini could give small businesses an extra working day each week. Here’s how…
Read the guideHow to claim parking, tolls and congestion charges as travel expenses
Learn when sole traders can claim parking, tolls and congestion charges as business travel expenses, and what HMRC…
Read the guideNew ‘Great British Pitch’ to help UK small firms take their products global
A new Small Business Britain initiative will help UK small firms expand overseas, offering export training and global…
Read the guideWhat to do if you accidentally register twice with HMRC as a sole trader
Accidentally registered twice as a sole trader with HMRC? Learn how to fix duplicate UTRs, avoid penalties, and…
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