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
Selling up as a sole trader: tax, valuation and practical steps
Step-by-step guide to selling your sole trader business, from working out value and finding a buyer to tax rules and timing your sale.
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Critical illness cover if you’re self-employed
Critical Illness Cover pays a lump sum if you’re seriously ill – a key safety net for sole…
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What is the October 5th Self Assessment deadline and what happens if you miss it?
If you became self employed during the previous tax year, make sure you register for Self Assessment by…
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Can you claim gym memberships and wellbeing costs as a sole trader?
Find out if you can claim gym memberships, yoga or other wellbeing costs. HMRC’s rules on what’s tax…
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Eye tests and glasses for the self-employed: what you can claim
Practical guide for sole traders and the self-employed on claiming eye tests and glasses as business expenses. Explains…
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Phone and internet expenses for sole traders: HMRC rules and allowances
Most self-employed people rely on the same phone and broadband for both work and personal use. You can…
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Does your small business need tax investigation insurance?
Tax investigation insurance is a type of policy which provides financial cover in case your small business is…
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Private health insurance options for small business owners
Practical guide to private health insurance for the self-employed. How policies work, the main types of cover available,…
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Entertainment expenses for sole traders: what you can and can’t claim
Client lunches. Coffee after a meeting. A team meal at the end of a project. Are any of…
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What training expenses can you claim if you work for yourself?
Learn which training costs you can claim when self-employed, how HMRC treats them, what records to keep, and…
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What business expenses can you claim as a sole trader?
As a sole trader, you can deduct many business costs from your income and pay less tax. But…
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What is ‘turnover’ and how do you calculate it?
Turnover is one key indicator and profit another although the two are not be confused. Our quick guide…
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Self-employed income protection – cover if you’re sick or injured
Find out how income protection works for sole traders. Learn cover limits, deferred periods and policy types if…
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Can I register as self-employed while claiming Universal Credit or other benefits?
Plenty of people start a small business while still receiving benefits. It might be a side hustle alongside…
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Professional membership and registration for sole traders
Do sole traders need professional membership or registration? Learn which jobs are regulated and when joining a body…
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