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 to MTD changes in 2026. Be prepared!
How to register as self-employed with HMRC – the key steps
You’re self-employed if you work for yourself and aren’t paid through PAYE. If you earn more than £1,000 a year this way, you need to register with HMRC.
Small company owners hit hard by April 2026 dividend tax increase
In today's Autumn Budget, the Chancellor confirmed that the basic and higher rates of dividend tax will rise by two percentage points from April 2026.
HMRC reminds Christmas side hustlers to check if they need to pay tax
HMRC has issued a festive reminder to anyone making extra money from market stalls and other seasonal side hustles, to check if their earnings are taxable.
How do student loan repayments work if you’re a sole trader?
How do student loan repayments work when you’re self-employed?. Find out how HMRC calculates what you owe, and how much you’ll repay via Self Assessment.
31st October paper Self Assessment deadline: who it applies to
The paper Self Assessment deadline is 31st October. Find out who can still file on paper, what happens if you're late, and how to avoid HMRC penalties.
How to check if a UK or EU VAT registration number is valid
If you have a new UK or EU customer or supplier, you should check the VAT registration number (VRN) they have supplied is valid. Here are three ways you can do so.
What to do if you accidentally register twice with HMRC as a sole trader
Accidentally registered twice as a sole trader with HMRC? Learn how to fix duplicate UTRs, avoid penalties, and get your Self Assessment record corrected.
What is the October 5th Self Assessment deadline and what happens if you miss it?
If you became self employed during the previous tax year, make sure you register for Self Assessment by 5th October to avoid HMRC penalties. What happens if you miss this deadline?
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) – was 10%, now 14%, rising to 18%
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) reduces your capital gains tax bill if you sell your business. How does BADR works and what are the current rates?