8 min read
Simplified Expenses Explained for the Self-Employed
HMRC simplified expenses let self-employed people use flat rates for vehicles, home working, and business premises. Compare rates vs actual costs here.
Income & Expenses
Self-Employed Guides
Practical guides for freelancers, sole traders, and self-employed professionals.
9 min read
How to Budget for Your Tax Bill as Self-Employed in the UK
Budget for your self-employed tax bill with the 25-30% savings rule, HMRC Budget Payment Plans, and a dedicated tax account. Avoid the January surprise.
Payments & Deadlines
9 min read
How to Register for Self Assessment: HMRC Online Guide
Learn how to register for Self Assessment with HMRC. Covers Government Gateway setup, getting your UTR number, deadlines, and what to do after registration.
Getting Started
10 min read
Self-Employed Mileage Allowance and Vehicle Claims
Claim your self-employed mileage allowance using HMRC rates (45p/25p) or actual vehicle costs. Compare methods, see examples, and start saving.
Income & Expenses
10 min read
Making Tax Digital for Self-Employed: What Changes from April 2026
Making Tax Digital starts April 2026 for self-employed with income over £50,000. Learn about quarterly updates, software, sign-up steps, and deadlines.
Payments & Deadlines
7 min read
What Records to Keep as Self-Employed
Which records HMRC expects self-employed people to keep, how long to store them, digital vs paper options, and tips for organising your Self Assessment paperwork.
Records & Evidence
7 min read
Working From Home: What You Can Claim
How to claim working from home expenses as self-employed. Simplified flat rates vs actual costs, what qualifies, and how to calculate your claim.
Special Cases
7 min read
What Expenses Can You Claim as Self-Employed?
A practical guide to allowable business expenses for UK sole traders and freelancers. Learn what you can deduct and how to calculate mixed-use costs.
Income & Expenses
9 min read
Payments on Account Explained
Understand why HMRC asks for extra payments and how to calculate, reduce, or manage your payments on account for Self Assessment in the UK.
Payments & Deadlines
6 min read
Do I Need to Register as Self-Employed?
Find out if you need to register as self-employed with HMRC. Learn about the £1,000 trading allowance, registration deadlines, and what counts as self-employment.
Getting Started
9 min read
Common Self Assessment Mistakes to Avoid
Learn the most common Self Assessment errors that trigger HMRC enquiries or penalties. Avoid these mistakes when filing your tax return to save time and money.
Filing & Submissions
8 min read
Filing Your First Self Assessment Tax Return
Step-by-step guide to filing your first Self Assessment tax return online. Learn what information you need, how to submit, and avoid common first-timer mistakes.
Filing & Submissions
9 min read
What Happens If You Miss the Self Assessment Deadline?
Missed the Self Assessment deadline? Learn about HMRC penalties, interest charges, and what steps to take now to minimise the damage and get back on track.
Payments & Deadlines