Practical UK tax guides for freelancers, sole traders, and self-employed professionals. Self Assessment, allowable expenses, NI, and MTD — without the jargon.
Your first MTD for Income Tax quarterly update is due 7 August 2026. Learn what to submit, the HMRC expense categories, and how to send it through software.
Tax bill lower than last year? Apply to reduce your Self Assessment payments on account using SA303 — eligibility, the online process, deadlines, and risks.
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.
Compare MTD-compatible software options for sole traders. Covers record-keeping apps, bridging tools, free plans, and what to check before signing up.
How self-employed people repay student loans through Self Assessment. Plan 1, 2, 4, 5 thresholds, rates, and worked examples for sole traders.
How to claim capital allowances as self-employed in the UK. AIA, writing-down allowances, car rules, and 2026/27 rate changes — explained simply.
Learn how Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance work for the self-employed. See current rates, thresholds, and how to pay NIC through Self Assessment.
Find out how long to keep self-employed tax records. HMRC requires at least 5 years after the filing deadline — see the rules, exceptions, and what to store.
UK tax changes from April 2026 for self-employed and landlords: MTD for Income Tax is live, dividend rates up 2%, BADR now 18%. What you need to know.
Claim phone, broadband, and software costs as self-employed in the UK. Split personal and business use, see what qualifies, and calculate your deduction.
Self-employed tax year-end checklist for 2025/26. Review expenses, pensions, records, and MTD setup. File your return by 31 January 2027.
Self-employed vs limited company — compare tax, admin costs and liability side by side. Find out which UK business structure fits your income level.
HMRC simplified expenses let self-employed people use flat rates for vehicles, home working, and business premises. Compare rates vs actual costs here.
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.
Learn how to register for Self Assessment with HMRC. Covers Government Gateway setup, getting your UTR number, deadlines, and what to do after registration.
Claim your self-employed mileage allowance using HMRC rates (45p/25p) or actual vehicle costs. Compare both methods, see worked examples, and start saving.
Making Tax Digital is live from April 2026 for self-employed with income over £50,000. Learn about quarterly updates, software, sign-up steps, and deadlines.
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.
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.
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.
Learn why HMRC asks for advance payments and how to calculate, reduce, or budget for your payments on account as self-employed filing Self Assessment.
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.
Common Self Assessment mistakes that trigger HMRC enquiries or penalties. Learn how to avoid these tax return errors and file accurately the first time.
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.
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.
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