9 min read
Second MTD Quarterly Update (Q2): How Cumulative Updates Work
Your second MTD quarterly update (Q2) is due 7 November 2026. See how cumulative year-to-date updates work, what to submit, and how to fix Q1 mistakes.
Payments & Deadlines
Self-Employed Guides
Practical UK tax guides for freelancers, sole traders, and self-employed professionals. Self Assessment, allowable expenses, NI, and MTD — without the jargon.
9 min read
MTD Q1: Your First Quarterly Update Dates and What to Submit
MTD Q1 is your first MTD for Income Tax quarterly update, covering 6 April to 5 July. See the deadline, what to submit by category, and how to send it.
Payments & Deadlines
10 min read
How to Reduce Self Assessment Payments on Account (SA303)
Tax bill lower than last year? Apply to reduce your Self Assessment payments on account using SA303 — eligibility, the online process, deadlines, and risks.
Payments & Deadlines
9 min read
UTR Number Explained: What It Is, How to Get One from HMRC
A UTR number is a 10-digit HMRC reference for Self Assessment. Learn how to get one, find a lost or forgotten UTR, and why self-employed people need it.
Getting Started
9 min read
How to Choose the Best MTD Software for Sole Traders
Compare the best MTD-compatible software for sole traders, from record-keeping apps to bridging tools and free plans, plus what to check before you sign up.
Special Cases
8 min read
Student Loan Repayments Through Self Assessment for the Self-Employed
How self-employed people repay student loans through Self Assessment. Compare Plan 1, 2, 4, and 5 thresholds and rates, with worked examples for sole traders.
Special Cases
11 min read
Capital Allowances for Self-Employed: How to Claim
How to claim capital allowances as self-employed in the UK. AIA, writing-down allowances, car rules, and 2026/27 rate changes — explained simply.
Income & Expenses
9 min read
National Insurance for Self-Employed: Rates and How It Works
Learn how Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance work for the self-employed. See 2025/26 rates, thresholds, and how to pay NIC through Self Assessment.
Income & Expenses
10 min read
How Long to Keep Tax Records as Self-Employed in the UK
How long to keep self-employed tax records? HMRC requires at least 5 years after the 31 January filing deadline — see the rules, exceptions, and what to keep.
Records & Evidence
12 min read
HMRC Tax Changes April 2026: Self-Employed & Landlord Guide
HMRC tax changes from April 2026 for self-employed and landlords: MTD for Income Tax is live, dividend rates up 2%, BADR now 18%. See what applies to you.
Payments & Deadlines
9 min read
Phone and Internet Tax Deductions for Self-Employed UK
Claim phone, broadband, and software costs as self-employed in the UK. Split personal and business use, see what qualifies, and calculate your deduction.
Income & Expenses
10 min read
Tax Year-End Checklist for Self-Employed (2026/27)
Self-employed tax year-end checklist for 2026/27: use your pension, ISA and CGT allowances before 5 April 2027, then file your 2025/26 return by 31 Jan 2027.
Payments & Deadlines
11 min read
Self-Employed vs Limited Company: Tax, Cost and Admin Compared
Self-employed vs limited company — compare tax, admin costs and liability side by side. See which UK structure suits sole traders at your income level.
Getting Started
10 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
10 min read
How to Budget for Your Tax Bill as Self-Employed in the UK
Set up a budget for your HMRC tax bill with the 25-30% savings rule, HMRC Budget Payment Plans, and a dedicated tax account. Avoid the January surprise.
Payments & Deadlines
10 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
11 min read
Self-Employed Mileage Allowance and Vehicle Claims
Claim your self-employed mileage allowance using HMRC rates (55p/25p) or actual vehicle costs. Compare both methods, see worked examples, and start saving.
Income & Expenses
11 min read
Making Tax Digital for Self-Employed: Thresholds & Deadlines
Making Tax Digital for the self-employed starts April 2026 for income over £50,000. See MTD thresholds, quarterly deadlines, software and sign-up steps.
Payments & Deadlines
11 min read
What Records to Keep When You're Self-Employed in the UK
Which records HMRC expects self-employed people to keep, how long to store them, digital vs paper options, and tips for organising Self Assessment paperwork.
Records & Evidence
8 min read
Working From Home Expenses: What Self-Employed Can Claim
How to claim working from home expenses as self-employed in the UK. 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 correctly.
Income & Expenses
10 min read
Payments on Account Explained for the Self-Employed
Payments on account are advance Self Assessment tax payments due 31 January and 31 July. Learn how they work, how to calculate them, and how to reduce yours.
Payments & Deadlines
8 min read
Do I Need to Register as Self-Employed with HMRC? (2025/26)
Find out if you need to register as self-employed with HMRC. Learn about the £1,000 trading allowance, deadlines, and what counts as self-employment income.
Getting Started
11 min read
Common Self Assessment Mistakes to Avoid When Filing
Common Self Assessment mistakes that trigger HMRC enquiries or penalties. Learn how to avoid these tax return errors and file accurately the first time.
Filing & Submissions
11 min read
Filing Your First Self Assessment Tax Return Online
A step-by-step guide to filing your first Self Assessment tax return online. Learn what information you need, how to submit, and avoid common mistakes.
Filing & Submissions
12 min read
What Happens If You Miss the Self Assessment Deadline?
Missed the Self Assessment deadline? See the exact HMRC late filing penalties, interest charges and the steps to take now to limit the damage and appeal.
Payments & Deadlines
About this section
Working for yourself means handling tax admin an employer would normally take care of: registering with HMRC, tracking expenses, filing a return and paying in the right instalments. These guides cover each step for UK sole traders and freelancers — starting with how to register for Self Assessment and what expenses you can claim, through to payments on account and filing your first tax return.
Since April 2026, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax has been changing how sole traders with higher incomes report to HMRC — the Making Tax Digital guide covers the thresholds, quarterly updates and software requirements. Each guide includes worked examples and links to official GOV.UK sources.