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
Subsistence expenses for sole traders: meals, hotels and what you can claim
A guide to subsistence expenses for sole traders, including HMRC rules on claiming meals, drinks and accommodation while travelling for work purposes.
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Can sole traders claim insurance premiums as a business expense?
Practical guide to which types of insurance sole traders can claim as expenses, including public liability, professional indemnity…
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Can sole traders claim car or van repair costs as a business expense?
Are car and van repairs tax deductible for sole traders? A clear guide to claiming servicing, maintenance and…
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Are accounting fees tax deductible for sole traders?
Are accounting fees tax deductible? This guide explains when sole traders can claim accountant costs as allowable business…
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Are software subscriptions tax deductible for sole traders?
Are software subscriptions tax deductible for sole traders? Explanation of the tax rules, examples, and how digital tools…
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£150 per head Christmas party expense exemption for limited companies
If you’re thinking of holding a party for your company this year – you may be able to…
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What happens if a client doesn’t pay – what are your options?
Unpaid invoices? This guide explains what self-employed people can do when a client won’t pay — from chasing…
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MTD ITSA deadlines explained: when you need to submit and what to file
Making Tax Digital for the self-employed: who it applies to, quarterly deadlines, and how to prepare before the…
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Business insurance: what cover does your small business need?
An overview of business insurance for sole traders and limited companies, including legally required cover, client requirements and…
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More than 200,000 businesses enter MTD without an accountant
A quarter of businesses entering Making Tax Digital for Income Tax are unrepresented, with firms warning of rising…
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UK small businesses still owed £70bn in late payments, says Hiscox report
Small firms are owed £70.4bn in late payments, according to Hiscox, with many waiting weeks beyond invoice due…
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Are advertising and marketing expenses tax deductible for sole traders?
Sole traders can claim advertising and marketing expenses against their taxable profits if the costs are wholly and…
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Can sole traders claim bank charges and interest as expenses?
Can sole traders claim bank fees, overdraft and loan interest as expenses? What is allowable, what is not,…
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Accounting for sole traders: a beginner’s guide
If you start a business as a sole trader, you need to set up an accounting system to…
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864,000 sole traders and landlords face new MTD reporting rules from April 2026
HMRC has reminded over 864,000 sole traders and landlords that they have just two months to prepare for…
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