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Start a business as a Sole Trader or Limited Company

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ByteStart — How to go self-employed in 2026
become sole trader
15 steps to take when you become self-employed
sole trader expenses
What expenses can you claim as a sole trader?
sole trader tax
What taxes do you pay as a sole trader?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax from April 2026
sole trader class 2 4 nic

What National Insurance do self-employed people pay in 2026/27?

April 6, 2026
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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self employed tax

How tax works if you’re self-employed (2026/27)

April 3, 2026
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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split salary dividends company

The best salary and dividend split for directors in 2026/27

April 2, 2026
Most company directors are paid an annual salary, and draw down profits as dividends. What is the optimal salary/dividend split in 2026/27?
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limited company tax calculator

Limited Company Tax Calculator – 2026/27

April 2, 2026
If you're a company director, this calculator will work out your net profits, after expenses and tax. You can distribute the profits as dividends.
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state pension sole trader gaps

Being self-employed and the State Pension – NI rules, rates and filling gaps

April 1, 2026
How the State Pension works if you’re self-employed, including NI rates, qualifying years, how to fill gaps, and why you may need extra retirement savings.
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sole trader tax calculator

Sole trader tax and National Insurance calculator – 2026/27

April 1, 2026
Calculate how much tax you’ll pay as a sole trader in 2026/27, including income tax and National Insurance, based on your business profits after expenses.
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badr sole trader entrepreneurs relief

Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) – 10%, then 14%, now 18%

April 1, 2026
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) reduces your capital gains tax bill if you sell your business. How does BADR works and what are the current rates?
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enhanced dbs check self-employed

Self-employed can now get Enhanced DBS checks without an employer

March 25, 2026
Guide to Enhanced DBS checks for self-employed people (since the 2026 legislation change), including eligibility, the application process, and costs.
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subsistence expenses self employed

Subsistence expenses for sole traders: meals, hotels and what you can claim

March 13, 2026
A guide to subsistence expenses for sole traders, including HMRC rules on claiming meals, drinks and accommodation while travelling for work purposes.
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sole trader insurance expenses

Can sole traders claim insurance premiums as a business expense?

March 9, 2026
Practical guide to which types of insurance sole traders can claim as expenses, including public liability, professional indemnity and income protection.
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Brand new ByteStart guides
  • What National Insurance do self-employed people pay in 2026/27?
  • How tax works if you’re self-employed (2026/27)
  • The best salary and dividend split for directors in 2026/27



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