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
Do you need business insurance when working from home?
Working from home as a sole trader? Your home insurance probably isn’t enough. Learn what cover you might need, from liability to contents and cyber.
Read the guideWhat insurance do I need for part-time work or a side hustle?
If you earn money from part-time work or a side hustle, you might still need business insurance. Find…
Read the guideWhat insurance do I need to sell online (e.g. Etsy, Shopify, eBay)?
If you sell on Etsy, Shopify or eBay, find out what insurance you might need, what to watch…
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax: exemptions explained
A clear guide to who must follow MTD for Income Tax, who’s exempt, and the key easements available…
Read the guideSelf-employed? 31st July Payment on Account tax deadline looms
Payment on Account tax is due by 31 July. Learn who it applies to, how to pay, and…
Read the guideChecklist for hiring your first employee (for UK sole traders)
Hiring your first employee in the UK? A step-by-step guide for sole traders and small companies covering legal…
Read the guideHow to write a quote email – template for sole traders and freelancers
How to respond to client enquiries with a clear quote. Includes a free email template for sole traders,…
Read the guideMicro-entity annual accounts – what small limited companies must file
When are your limited company accounts due? Learn what to submit to HMRC and Companies House, key deadlines,…
Read the guideWhat is a dormant limited company?
A dormant company is a standard limited company that doesn't trade and has no accounting transactions. There are…
Read the guideIt’s never too late to start saving for a pension if you’re self-employed
Left it late to start a pension? If you’re self-employed, here’s how to catch up, claim tax relief,…
Read the guideWhat the 2027 Inheritance Tax changes mean for your pension
If you’re self-employed and saving into a pension, some big changes are coming from April 2027 that could…
Read the guideBT warns small businesses they’re in the firing line for cyber attacks
BT warns UK SMEs of rising cyber threats as 2 in 5 lack training. New support launched to…
Read the guideMaple Review launched to explore barriers to starting a business
Backed by government, the Maple Review explores how to make starting a business or going self-employed easier for…
Read the guideSelf-employed bookkeeping tips: stay organised and avoid HMRC trouble
Simple bookkeeping tips for sole traders. Stay organised, save time, and avoid HMRC issues with this practical guide…
Read the guideConfirmation Statement and PSC rules explained for UK company directors
Your duties as a director when filing a confirmation statement and maintaining a PSC register. Updated for 2025/26…
Read the guide