Self-employed sole traders

Tax support built for sole traders

You run the business. We keep HMRC happy, claim every allowable expense and file on time, every time.

Smiling barber holding scissors in his own barbershop
72 hoursfrom paperwork to filed

We've been doing sole trader returns for over 15 years

Most sole traders don't have time for bookkeeping, deadlines and HMRC letters, and the rules keep changing. We take the paperwork off your hands, keep you compliant and make sure you only pay the tax you have to.

Honest

Clear advice in plain English, and no surprises on fees.

Personable

One friendly contact who knows your situation and your trade.

Expert

More than 15 years focused on Self Assessment and CIS.

Proactive

We remind you before deadlines, not after the penalty arrives.

What we do

Specialist services for sole traders

Self Assessment tax returns

We prepare and file your return within 72 hours of receiving your documents, checking every allowance you're entitled to. Sole traders, landlords, directors and CIS workers all welcome.

Get your return done
Self-employed woman reviewing documents beside her laptop

Accountancy

Year-end accounts for your business, prepared properly so your profit, and your tax, are right first time.

Management accounts and bookkeeping

Simple record keeping that turns a shoebox of receipts into clear monthly figures, so you always know how the business is doing.

VAT

Turnover heading for the £90,000 VAT threshold? We register you, choose the right scheme and file your VAT returns through Making Tax Digital.

PAYE and NIC

Taking on staff? We run your payroll, send HMRC the monthly submissions and work out the National Insurance for you and your team.

Mortgages: tax documents for lenders

SA302 tax calculations and tax year overviews, the proof of income lenders ask self-employed applicants for.

Making Tax Digital

Turnover over £50,000? Quarterly updates are already required. We get you set up with the right software and submit for you.

Allowable expenses review

Tools, travel, phone, workwear, use of home: we find the costs that cut your tax bill, and tell you which ones HMRC won't accept.

HMRC agent service

We register as your agent, deal with HMRC letters, calls and enquiries, and appeal unfair penalties.

Registering as self-employed

Just starting out? We register you with HMRC, sort your UTR and set you up properly from day one.

Do I need a tax return as a sole trader?

You usually need to file a Self Assessment if any of these apply for the tax year (6 April to 5 April):

  • You earned more than £1,000 from self-employment
  • You had rental income over £1,000
  • You worked under CIS and want your deductions back
  • You had untaxed income such as dividends, tips or commission
  • HMRC sent you a notice to file a return
Receipts, invoices and documents spread across a desk ready for a tax return
31 Jan 20272025/26 online deadline
New for 2026

Making Tax Digital is here. Are you ready?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax means keeping digital records and sending HMRC a short update every quarter, then a final return at the end of the year.

It's based on your turnover from self-employment and property, before expenses.

Book a free check
  1. From 6 April 2026 · live now
    Over £50,000
    Quarterly updates required
  2. From 6 April 2027
    Over £30,000
    Most busy sole traders and landlords
  3. From 6 April 2028
    Over £20,000
    The threshold drops again

Sole trader questions

The things sole traders ask us most.

All FAQs
What expenses can a sole trader claim?

Costs that are wholly and exclusively for your business: tools and equipment, materials, business travel and vehicle costs, the business share of your phone and internet, workwear and protective clothing, insurance, accountancy fees, and a share of your home running costs if you work from home.

When is the deadline for my tax return?

For the 2025/26 tax year, the online return and any tax you owe are due by 31 January 2027. Paper returns had to reach HMRC by 31 October 2026.

What happens if I file late?

HMRC charges £100 straight away, then £10 a day after three months (up to £900), then further penalties at six and twelve months of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is more. Interest and late payment penalties are added on top if tax is owed.

Do I need to keep receipts?

Yes. Keep your records for at least five years after the 31 January deadline for that tax year. Clear photos on your phone are fine.

Can you help if I've never filed before?

Yes. We can register you as self-employed, get your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) sorted and catch up on any missed years.

Let's talk about your business

Tell us what you do and we'll tell you what you can claim. Free, friendly and no obligation.