Clear, practical help for the self-employed
UK guides for sole traders, freelancers and anyone starting out on their own — covering HMRC, tax returns, expenses, banking, insurance and pensions.
Guides for sole traders and the self-employed
Start with the subject you need help with.
01
Getting started
Becoming self-employed, registering with HMRC and setting up your business.
02
Tax & HMRC
Self Assessment, National Insurance, VAT and Making Tax Digital.
03
Accounts & expenses
Bookkeeping, allowable expenses, invoices and getting paid.
04
Business banking
Choosing an account, comparing charges and protecting your money.
05
Business insurance
Public liability, professional indemnity and other business cover.
06
Pensions
SIPPs, pension tax relief and saving for retirement when you work for yourself.
07
Protecting yourself
Income protection, private healthcare and financial protection.
Also
Limited companies
Separate guides for company directors, tax, accounts and Companies House.
Latest ByteStart guides
How to become self-employed: what you need to do
Thinking of going self-employed? Here are some practical steps to help you register, set up, and start trading – even if you are working for someone else.
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Sole trader tax: a guide for the self-employed
In this guide, we look at the taxes the self-employed pay. We also look at some common mistakes…
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10 advantages of setting up a limited company in 2026
Thinking of starting a business? Discover the 10 key benefits of forming a UK limited company in 2026,…
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Self-employed can now get Enhanced DBS checks without an employer
Guide to Enhanced DBS checks for self-employed people (since the 2026 legislation change), including eligibility, the application process,…
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How much should you pay for an accountant if you’re self-employed?
Guide to typical sole trader accountant fees, what's included, and how to choose the right accountancy service for…
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Tax-efficient ways to pay yourself through a limited company
We asked a leading accountant to outline the tax-effective ways you can pay yourself via your own limited…
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How do pensions work if you’re a sole trader?
Starting a pension to save for your retirement is fairly easy to do. Here’s what you need to…
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How to set up in business as a partnership in 2026
How to set up and run a business partnership - including legal considerations, how to choose a name,…
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Does a one-off large job count towards the VAT threshold?
A single large contract can push your taxable turnover over the VAT threshold. Here’s how the rules work,…
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What happens if you go over the VAT threshold by mistake?
If you accidentally go over the VAT threshold, you may need to register retrospectively and pay VAT from…
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How to reduce your business bank charges as a sole trader
Practical tips for the self-employed on choosing the right bank account, understanding fee structures, and avoiding unnecessary or…
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VAT for the self-employed – what you need to know
A practical guide to VAT for sole traders in 2026 – when to register, how it works, VAT…
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What National Insurance do self-employed people pay in 2026/27?
Find out how National Insurance works for sole traders, including Class 2/4 rates, how to pay, and how…
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The best salary and dividend split for directors in 2026/27
Most company directors are paid an annual salary, and draw down profits as dividends. What is the optimal…
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State Pension for the self-employed: National Insurance and qualifying years
How the State Pension works if you’re self-employed, including NI rates, qualifying years, how to fill gaps, and…
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