Supporting the self-employed – since 2004
Skip to content
ByteStart ByteStart

Start a business as a Sole Trader or Limited Company

bright ideas sole trader accountant
  • Go Self Employed
  • Tax & HMRC
  • Accounts
  • Banking
  • Insurance
  • Protection
  • Pensions
  • News
  • Limited Company
bright ideas sole trader accountant

Accounts & Expenses

Keeping on top of your accounts is a key part of running a small business.

In this section you’ll find practical guides on recording expenses, tracking your income and expenditure, choosing accounting software, and keeping proper records for Self Assessment.

We also explain how accounting rules are changing under Making Tax Digital (MTD). From April 2026 many sole traders will need to keep digital records and submit updates to HMRC using compatible software. You can learn more in our guide to Making Tax Digital for the self-employed.

Whether you manage your bookkeeping yourself or hire an accountant, understanding how small business accounts work will save you time, money and stress.

Accounting software and accountants

  • Find the best self-employed accounting software
  • Why accounting software is essential for MTD filing
  • Accounting software vs spreadsheets
  • Do you need an accountant if you’re self-employed?
  • Compare sole trader accountants
  • How to switch accountants as a sole trader

Bookkeeping and records

  • Bookkeeping basics for small businesses
  • Accounting deadlines every self-employed person should know
  • A beginner’s guide to self-employed accounts
  • What counts as turnover?

Claiming business expenses

  • What expenses can you claim as a sole trader?
  • How simplified expenses work
  • Claiming home office expenses
  • Mileage allowance explained
  • Travel expenses for sole traders
  • Training expenses explained
  • Equipment and tool expenses

Invoices and payments

  • Free invoice templates for sole traders
  • Setting payment terms for clients
  • What to do if a client doesn’t pay
  • Using a debt recovery service
claim mileage self employed

Mileage allowance for sole traders: HMRC rules and rates for 2026/27

June 2, 2026
Mileage allowance for sole traders in 2026/27: current HMRC mileage rates, qualifying journeys, record-keeping requirements and tracking apps.
Read More
mtd intuit itsa

Making Tax Digital is here: four things sole traders should do now

May 29, 2026
With MTD ITSA now in place, what do sole traders and landlords need to know now to smoothly transition to the new system? Four expert tips.
Read More
simplifed expenses

Simplified expenses – how to claim flat-rate business costs as a sole trader

May 19, 2026
Practical guide to HMRC simplified expenses for sole traders, with flat rates, examples, and links to related tax guides.
Read More
charity donate sole trader gift aid

Can sole traders give to charity and get tax relief?

April 12, 2026
If you're self-employed, it is easy to make charitable donations, but they aren't treated in the same way as other business expenses.
Read More
subsistence expenses self employed

Subsistence expenses for sole traders: meals, hotels and what you can claim

March 13, 2026
A guide to subsistence expenses for sole traders, including HMRC rules on claiming meals, drinks and accommodation while travelling for work purposes.
Read More
sole trader insurance expenses

Can sole traders claim insurance premiums as a business expense?

March 9, 2026
Practical guide to which types of insurance sole traders can claim as expenses, including public liability, professional indemnity and income protection.
Read More
car van repair expenses sole trader

Can sole traders claim car or van repair costs as a business expense?

March 9, 2026
Are car and van repairs tax deductible for sole traders? A clear guide to claiming servicing, maintenance and other vehicle running costs.
Read More
accountant fees sole trader expenses

Are accounting fees tax deductible for sole traders?

March 8, 2026
Are accounting fees tax deductible? This guide explains when sole traders can claim accountant costs as allowable business expenses.
Read More
software subscription sole trader expenses

Are software subscriptions tax deductible for sole traders?

March 7, 2026
Are software subscriptions tax deductible for sole traders? Explanation of the tax rules, examples, and how digital tools are treated in business accounts.
Read More
late payment client invoice

What happens if a client doesn’t pay – what are your options?

March 4, 2026
Unpaid invoices? This guide explains what self-employed people can do when a client won’t pay — from chasing to legal action and recovery options.
Read More

Posts pagination

1 2 3 … 6 Next page
BI Accountancy Accounts

Sole Trader Accounts
From £50 + VAT/month

5/5 Google Rating, Self Assessment, VAT, MTD-ready. ByteStart partner

Visit site
Brand new ByteStart guides
  • Do you need a separate bank account if you’re self-employed?
  • Mileage allowance for sole traders: HMRC rules and rates for 2026/27
  • Making Tax Digital is here: four things sole traders should do now
bright ideas sole trader accountant



About Us | Cookies | Privacy | Terms | Site Map

©Contract Eye Limited 2004-26 - All rights reserved.
Registered Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ
Scroll to Top