Guides for UK Sole Traders
Clear, practical walkthroughs to help you stay compliant and confident with your Self Assessment.
Getting Started with Self Assessment
How Self Assessment Works for Sole Traders
Step-by-step look at what Self Assessment is, who needs to file, and how the process works.
How to Register as Self-Employed
When and how to register with HMRC, plus what details you'll need to provide.
Filing Your First Self Assessment Tax Return
Complete guide for first-time filers including registration, preparation, and common mistakes to avoid.
Sole Trader vs Limited Company: Which Is Right for You?
Compare sole trader and limited company structures for tax efficiency, liability, and administration.
Key Deadlines & Payments
National Insurance Basics
Expenses & Deductions
Allowable Expenses for Sole Traders
Common deductible costs, what counts as allowable, and tips to stay compliant.
How to Reduce Your Tax Bill Legally
Legitimate strategies for sole traders to reduce Income Tax and National Insurance through allowances and reliefs.
Working From Home Tax Relief: How to Claim
HMRC working from home allowance explained, including the flat rate method and actual costs calculation.
Vehicle Expenses for Self-Employed: Cars and Vans
How to claim car and van expenses as a sole trader, including mileage rates and actual costs methods.
Business Travel Expenses: What You Can Claim
Guide to claiming travel expenses as a sole trader, including meals, accommodation, and transport.
Capital Allowances on Equipment: A Guide for Sole Traders
How to claim capital allowances on business equipment, including the Annual Investment Allowance.
Tax-Deductible Professional Subscriptions and Memberships
Which professional body memberships and subscriptions you can claim as a business expense.
Training Costs: When Are They Tax Deductible?
HMRC rules on claiming training and course fees as a business expense for sole traders.
Claiming Phone and Internet Expenses
How to claim mobile phone and broadband costs as a sole trader, including apportionment methods.
Making Tax Digital (MTD)
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Sole Traders
What MTD means for sole traders and how to stay compliant with digital record keeping.
MTD Compatible Software: What It Is and How to Choose
Understand what MTD compatible software means, required features, and how to pick the right tool.
MTD Quarterly Submissions: What You Need to Send
A clear guide to MTD quarterly updates, what they include, and when they are due.
MTD Income Thresholds: Who Must Comply and When
Income thresholds for MTD ITSA, how HMRC measures them, and what happens near the limit.
MTD for Landlords: What Changes in 2026
What landlords need to know about MTD ITSA, digital records, and quarterly updates.
MTD Penalties and Late Filing: How the Points System Works
How MTD late submission penalties work and how to avoid points and fines.
Making Tax Digital 2026: What Changes and Who It Affects
Overview of the 2026 MTD ITSA rollout, thresholds, and how to prepare.
MTD Bridging Software: When You Need It and How It Works
Understand MTD bridging software, when it is required, and how it connects spreadsheets to HMRC.
MTD ITSA Deadlines: Quarterly Updates and Year-End Dates
Key MTD ITSA deadlines for quarterly updates, End of Period Statements, and final declarations.
MTD Digital Record Keeping: What You Must Record
Required digital records for MTD ITSA, what to track, and how to keep evidence.
How to Register for MTD ITSA
Steps to sign up for MTD ITSA and start submitting with compatible software.
Other Income & Investments
UK Rental Income Tax: Complete Guide for Landlords
How rental income is taxed in the UK, allowable expenses, property allowance, and mortgage interest relief rules.
Dividend Tax UK: Rates, Allowances and How to Report
Guide to UK dividend taxation including the dividend allowance, tax rates by band, and Self Assessment reporting.
Capital Gains Tax UK: Property, Shares and Investments
Complete guide to CGT on property sales, investments, and assets including annual exempt amount and tax rates.
Bank Interest Tax UK: Personal Savings Allowance Explained
How bank and savings interest is taxed in the UK, the Personal Savings Allowance, and when you need to report it.
Cryptocurrency Tax UK: HMRC Rules for Crypto Investors
How crypto is taxed in the UK, Capital Gains Tax on Bitcoin and altcoins, and Self Assessment reporting requirements.
Foreign Income Tax UK: Reporting Worldwide Income
How UK residents report and pay tax on foreign income, remittance basis, and double taxation relief.
Side Hustle Tax UK: Tax Guide for Extra Income
Tax rules for side income, gig work, and freelancing including the trading allowance and when to register.