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Tax & HMRC

Understanding how tax works is essential if you’re self-employed.

This section covers everything you need to know about Income Tax, National Insurance, Self Assessment, VAT, and staying on the right side of HMRC.

Whether you’re just starting out as a sole trader or need help with deadlines, penalties or Making Tax Digital (MTD), our no-nonsense guides can help!

Start with these guides

  • How does self assessment work if you’re self-employed?
  • What is Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax?
  • What taxes do you pay if you work for yourself?
  • Use our 2025/26 tax year sole trader calculator
  • What is VAT and when do you have to register?
mtd deadlines

MTD ITSA deadlines explained: when you need to submit and what to file

July 17, 2025
From April 2026, Making Tax Digital will apply to self-employed people earning over £50,000. Learn what to file, when, and how to get ready.
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31st july payment account

Self-employed? 31st July Payment on Account tax deadline looms

July 17, 2025
Payment on Account tax is due by 31 July. Learn who it applies to, how to pay, and what happens if you miss the deadline. Includes guides and links.
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vat sole trader

VAT for the self-employed – what you need to know in 2025

July 1, 2025
A practical guide to VAT for sole traders in 2025 – when to register, how it works, VAT returns, reclaiming expenses, and how to stay compliant with HMRC.
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self employed sole trader national insurance

What National Insurance do self-employed people pay in 2025/26?

June 12, 2025
Find out how National Insurance works for sole traders, including Class 2/4 rates, how to pay, and how it differs from employee and limited company rules.
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register self employed

How to register as self-employed with HMRC – the key steps

June 6, 2025
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.
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making tax digital for income tax

Self-employed unprepared for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (April 2026 deadline!)

April 8, 2025
With the April 2026 deadline approaching for MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), new research shows how unprepared the self employed are for the change.
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self employed tax

How tax works if you’re self-employed (2025/26)

April 3, 2025
In this guide, we look at the taxes the self-employed pay. We also look at some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to dealing with HMRC.
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keep tax records how long

How long should small businesses keep tax records for?

February 25, 2025
This concise guide explains which tax records small businesses (including self-employed and limited companies) should keep and for how long.
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side hustle hmrc reporting

Online platforms must provide HMRC with sales reports on ‘side hustle’ businesses

January 22, 2025
If you make some extra money via a 'side hustle' - by selling online - you should be aware that digital platforms now share information about sellers with HMRC. You might need to pay tax on any profits you make - but it depends!
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self asessment deadline small business owner

Over 5m yet to file self assessment returns – don’t miss the 31st Jan deadline!

January 8, 2025
HMRC says that by the start of 2025, over 5 million people had yet to file their self-assessment tax returns. Make sure you don't miss the deadline!
Read More

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