How the Flat Rate VAT Scheme works (and the Limited Cost Trader rule)
Guide to the Flat Rate VAT Scheme for sole traders and small businesses. How it works, the latest HMRC rules, and when the Limited Cost Trader rate applies.
Crackdown on late payments: key changes for small business owners
The government is cracking down on late payments from 2026. Learn what the new rules mean for small firms, and how to protect your business.
Can I backdate business expenses before I registered as self-employed?
Can you claim business expenses before registering as self-employed? Find out what HMRC allows, the time limits, and how to record pre-trading costs.
When does your business officially start trading?
Unsure when your business officially starts? This guide explains how HMRC defines the start of trading, with examples of what does and doesn’t count.
What is Companies House? Functions, forms and director obligations
Learn what Companies House does, the main forms and filings it requires, and the key responsibilities of limited company directors.
What is the £1,000 trading allowance – how does it work?
How the UK trading allowance works, who can use it, when to register with HMRC, and what changes with the new £3,000 threshold from 2027.
Can sole traders use a PO Box as a business address?
Using a PO Box sounds simple, but it won’t work for everything. Here’s what HMRC, banks and marketplaces require if you're self-employed.
Home office expenses for the self-employed: what you can claim
Self-employed and working from home? Learn how to claim household expenses, including rent, utilities, and simplified flat rates.
Data protection for the self-employed – what you need to know
Even if you’re self-employed, UK GDPR still applies. We explain what data protection means for sole traders and freelancers, with simple, practical tips.
Can sole traders pay family to help with the business?
It’s something a lot of small business owners end up wondering: “Can I just pay my partner to help with admin?” “Can my teenager help out at the weekend and…