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
Does a one-off large job count towards the VAT threshold?
A single large contract can push your taxable turnover over the VAT threshold. Here’s how the rules work, including the separate 30-day test.
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What happens if you go over the VAT threshold by mistake?
If you accidentally go over the VAT threshold, you may need to register retrospectively and pay VAT from…
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How to reduce your business bank charges
How to compare business banking charges and reduce account fees, transaction costs and other expenses, whether you trade…
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Can your business have more than one bank account?
Why sole traders and limited companies may use more than one business bank account, and how to manage…
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VAT for the self-employed – what you need to know
A practical guide to VAT for sole traders in 2026 – when to register, how it works, VAT…
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What National Insurance do self-employed people pay in 2026/27?
Find out how National Insurance works for sole traders, including Class 2/4 rates, how to pay, and how…
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The best salary and dividend split for directors in 2026/27
Most company directors are paid an annual salary, and draw down profits as dividends. What is the optimal…
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State Pension for the self-employed: National Insurance and qualifying years
How the State Pension works if you’re self-employed, including NI rates, qualifying years, how to fill gaps, and…
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Limited company dividend tax guide – 2026/27 tax year
Here's how company dividends are taxed, and how you calculate the amount of tax you need to pay…
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A simple guide to SIPPs for the self-employed
A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is a popular way of saving for retirement for the self employed. Read…
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How pension tax relief works for the self-employed
Learn how pension tax relief works for sole traders. Understand allowances, limits and how self-employed pensions differ from…
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Limited Company Tax Calculator – 2026/27
If you're a company director, this calculator will work out your net profits, after expenses and tax. You…
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Should you pay into a pension or an ISA if you’re self-employed?
Pension or ISA if you’re self-employed - which is best? Compare tax relief, access rules and allowances, plus…
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How to start an Airbnb business – the basics
If you have a spare room, second home or other property, letting it through Airbnb can provide an…
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How to start a dog walking or pet sitting business
Dog walking and pet sitting are increasingly popular ways to earn extra money, and both are relatively cheap…
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