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
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax – guide for the self-employed
With HMRC's Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax coming soon, the frequency of filing returns will increase quite dramatically for the self employed.
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The risks of setting up a partnership without an agreement
Learn why partnership agreements matter, who should have one, and the clauses that help avoid disputes and protect…
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Income protection for sole traders – cover from £26.31 per month
If you’re a sole trader and can’t work due to illness or injury, income protection insurance can replace…
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Compare Sole Trader Accountants – Monthly Fees & Features (2026)
On this page, we have added some links and details of sole trader accountants we have worked with…
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Pension auto enrolment: does it apply to sole traders and limited companies?
Automatic enrolment is the UK’s mandatory workplace pension system. Find out why sole traders (without employees) and many…
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How to switch business bank accounts
How to switch business bank accounts as a sole trader or limited company, including payments, bank feeds and…
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Professional indemnity insurance for sole traders: do you really need it?
Do you need Professional Indemnity Insurance as a sole trader? Learn what it covers, who it’s for, and…
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Accounting deadlines every self-employed person should know
Key tax and accounting deadlines for sole traders, including Self Assessment, MTD, VAT, payments on account, and more…
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Public liability insurance for sole traders (when you need it and when you don’t)
Public liability cover will protect you if you cause an injury to a member of the public, or…
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Sole trader bank accounts: what to look for when comparing providers
There are several reasons why opening a business bank account and keeping your business and personal finances separate…
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How to successfully start a small business in the evenings
If you think a lack of time stops you from launching your own business, think again. We look…
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ANNA Money offers free MTD Income Tax filings ahead of deadline
ByteStart partner ANNA Money has announced it will offer free MTD ITSA filings on a permanent basis, with…
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Confidence gap is holding back Gen Z entrepreneurs, NatWest research suggests
A new study by NatWest and Mettle suggests that while many young people want to start businesses, they…
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Card readers and in-person payments for sole traders
A practical guide to card readers for sole traders, including how they work, what they cost, and when…
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10 self assessment mistakes sole traders make every January (and how to avoid them)
Common errors sole traders make at tax return time, from payments on account shocks and late payment penalties…
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