Do you still need an accountant if you use Xero or FreeAgent?
Using Xero or FreeAgent for your accounts? Find out if you still need an accountant, what software can’t do, and how to get the best of both worlds.
Accounts & Expenses
Keeping on top of your accounts is a basic part of working for yourself.
This section covers recording expenses, tracking income, preparing invoices, choosing accounting software and keeping the records you need for Self Assessment.
Making Tax Digital is also changing how many sole traders keep records and report their income to HMRC. Our Making Tax Digital guide explains who must follow the rules and what you need to do.
Whether you handle the bookkeeping yourself or use an accountant, understanding the basics will save you time and help you avoid expensive mistakes.
Making Tax Digital
Bookkeeping and records
Invoices and payments
Accounting software and accountants
- Find the best self-employed accounting software
- Accounting software versus spreadsheets
- Do you need an accountant if you’re self-employed?
- Do you still need an accountant if you use Xero or FreeAgent?
- How much should a self-employed accountant cost?
- Compare sole trader accountants
- Can you run your business using only Xero?
- How to switch accountants as a sole trader
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
- Are accounting fees tax deductible?
- Are software subscriptions tax deductible?
What counts as proof of income when you are a sole trader
How to prove your income if you’re self-employed. Which documents to use, how to get your SA302 from HMRC, and how much history you need as a sole trader.
Can sole traders claim equipment and tools as business expenses?
How to claim for laptops, tools, phones and other business equipment as a sole trader – including capital allowances and HMRC rules on personal use.
Making Tax Digital is here: four things sole traders should do now
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.
Simplified expenses – how to claim flat-rate business costs as a sole trader
Practical guide to HMRC simplified expenses for sole traders, with flat rates, examples, and links to related tax guides.
Can sole traders give to charity and get tax relief?
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.
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.
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 and income protection.
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 other vehicle running costs.
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 expenses.