What is a direct earnings attachment?

A Direct Earnings Attachment lets the DWP recover money owed, such as a benefit overpayment, directly from an employee's wages without a court order. Here is what UK employers need to know about how DEA deductions are calculated, the 60% protected earnings rule, your legal obligations, payment deadlines, and the penalties for getting it wrong.

Am I liable for debts in my limited company?

Worried you could be personally on the hook if your limited company can't pay its debts? In most cases you're protected, but there are key exceptions every director should understand. This guide explains when personal liability arises, from personal guarantees to wrongful trading and HMRC notices, and the practical steps you can take to stay protected.

Copyright and IP Protection for the Self-Employed

Your ideas, brand and creative work are the foundation of your business, yet many freelancers and sole traders leave them exposed. This post gives an overview on how to protect your intellectual property under UK law, from automatic copyright and registered trade marks to contracts, NDAs and the tax treatment of IP costs.

How to Budget Effectively as a Sole Trader

Budgeting as a sole trader means knowing what you earn, what you owe, and what is genuinely yours to spend. This post looks at how to separate your money, set aside the right amount for Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance, plan for payments on account, and stay ready for Making Tax Digital, along with the tools and accounts that make it all easier to manage.

Sick Pay for the Self-Employed: What You Need to Know

Self-employed and wondering what happens if you get ill? You can't claim Statutory Sick Pay, but you're not left with nothing. This guide walks through New Style ESA, Universal Credit, PIP and income protection insurance, plus the practical steps worth taking now so a spell of illness never turns into a financial emergency.

The Importance of Customer Reviews in E-commerce

Customer reviews drive sales, trust, and search visibility for any online business. But since the fake reviews ban came into force in April 2025, UK e-commerce sellers also carry legal duties under the DMCC Act, with fines of up to 10% of global turnover. Here is how to use reviews effectively, stay compliant, and handle the accounting and VAT side correctly.

Key Accounting Dates July 2026

July is one of the busiest months in the tax calendar, with employer reporting deadlines clustered around the 6th, mid-month PAYE and CIS payments, and the Self Assessment second payment on account at the end. Here is a quick look at key dates for July 2026.

How to Use Social Media to Market Yourself as a UK Freelancer

Social media is one of the most cost-effective ways for UK freelancers to find clients and build a reputation. This guide covers the right platforms, content that attracts work, and the HMRC rules every self-employed person needs to know.

Can I Be VAT Registered as a Sole Trader?

Can sole traders register for VAT? Yes, and beyond a turnover of £90,000 it becomes compulsory. This post looks at the rolling 12-month threshold, the two tests HMRC uses, when voluntary registration makes sense, your ongoing obligations, and the penalties for registering late.

What Can Landlords Claim Against Tax?

Every pound of legitimate expense you fail to claim is a pound you pay tax on unnecessarily. This post looks at how landlord tax deductions work: what you can claim against rental income, how Section 24 affects mortgage interest, the repairs versus improvements trap, and the record-keeping that keeps you compliant as Making Tax Digital rolls out.
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