
Is freelance the same as being Self-Employed
Freelancer and self-employed are often used as if they mean the same thing, but HMRC treats them differently. This article explains what separates the two, when you need to register for Self Assessment, and how Making Tax Digital now affects higher-earning sole traders.

Self Assessment Records – What to Keep and for How Long
A practical guide to Self Assessment record keeping for sole traders and landlords, covering which records HMRC expects, retention periods, digital records and Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

How to Provide Proof of Income When You’re Self-Employed
When you are self-employed there is no employer to confirm what you earn, so lenders and landlords expect tax and financial records instead. This post goes over what might count as proof of income, how to get an SA302 from HMRC, what mortgage lenders look for and how good bookkeeping makes it all easier.

How to Register for the CIS
Learn how to register for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), who needs to register, how CIS deductions work and the key deadlines you need to know. This guide covers CIS registration, gross payment status, monthly returns, penalties and practical tips for UK contractors and subcontractors.

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.

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.

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.

Sole Trader vs Limited Company
Sole trader or limited company? It is one of the most important decisions a UK business owner will make. This post looks at some of the key differences, covering tax rates, National Insurance, dividend rules, legal liability, Making Tax Digital, and when incorporation is likely to save you money.

How to Submit Your First MTD Quarterly Update
From April 2026, sole traders and landlords earning above £50,000 have had to submit quarterly updates to HMRC under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. If you have never done this before, our step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know, from setting up compatible software to hitting submit on your first return.



