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
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Gen Z leading the charge as UK’s next generation of business owners
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Can you be self-employed and employed at the same time?
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UTR number explained – what it is, when you need one, and how to get it
A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit code from HMRC used for tax. Find out when you…
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What is my business worth? How to value a small business
How to value a business, from earnings multiples to asset valuation. Includes guidance for small firms and sole…
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Business owners warned as HMRC cracks down on personal expense claims
HMRC is cracking down on personal expenses claimed as business costs in Self Assessment returns. See what you…
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Forming a limited company is simple to do online. Here’s what to prepare and the documents you must…
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New report urges ‘nudge’ reforms to boost self-employed pensions
Social Market Foundation warns just 22% of self-employed save into a pension. New report calls for ‘nudges’ from…
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Public liability for tradespeople – builders, plumbers, electricians and more
Find out why tradespeople like builders, plumbers and electricians need public liability insurance, what it covers, and how…
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High Income Child Benefit Charge – what self-employed people need to know
Guide to the High Income Child Benefit Charge for self-employed parents. How it works, who it affects, deadlines,…
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Self assessment tax return help for sole traders
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How to invoice as a sole trader – with VAT and non-VAT templates
Learn how to write an invoice as a UK sole trader, what to include, and how to handle…
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4Com helps small businesses boost efficiency with HiHi3: streamline communication, reduce costs, and stay connected.
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