Guides for UK sole trader tradespeople
Practical guides on tax, invoicing, expenses, HMRC compliance, and running your trade business. Written in plain English, not accountant-speak.
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Tax Guides
How to Fill in the SA103F Form: Complete Guide for UK Sole Traders
Step-by-step guide to completing the SA103F self-employment supplement for your Self Assessment tax return. Covers every box, common mistakes, and how TradeTally can auto-fill it for you.
Self Assessment Tax Return Guide for Tradespeople
Everything UK tradespeople need to know about Self Assessment tax returns. From registration and record-keeping to filing deadlines and payment, this guide walks you through the entire process.
UK Sole Trader Tax Deadlines 2025/26 and 2026/27
Never miss a tax deadline again. This guide covers every key date for UK sole traders including Self Assessment, payments on account, VAT, and Making Tax Digital deadlines for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 tax years.
National Insurance for Sole Traders: Class 2 and Class 4 Explained
Understand how National Insurance works for UK sole traders. This guide covers Class 2 and Class 4 NI contributions, current rates and thresholds for 2025/26, and how they affect your state pension and benefits.
HMRC Guides
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Sole Traders: What You Need to Know
A comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment. Covers the rollout timeline, who is affected, what compatible software you need, and how to prepare your trade business.
How to Register as a Sole Trader with HMRC
Step-by-step guide to registering as a sole trader with HMRC. Covers when to register, the online registration process, getting your UTR number, and what to do after registration.
CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) Explained for Subcontractors
Understand the Construction Industry Scheme as a subcontractor. Covers registration, deduction rates, monthly returns, how to reclaim CIS deductions, and what changes are coming to the scheme.
HMRC Allowable Expenses for Tradespeople: Complete List
A definitive list of allowable business expenses for self-employed tradespeople in the UK. Covers materials, tools, vehicle costs, home office, clothing, training, and every other deduction you can claim.
Invoicing Guides
How to Invoice as a Sole Trader: Complete Guide
Learn what to include on a sole trader invoice, legal requirements, numbering systems, and professional invoicing tips. Covers both VAT and non-VAT registered tradespeople.
Invoice Payment Terms: Guide for UK Tradespeople
Understand common payment terms, your statutory rights to late payment interest, and how to set terms that protect your cash flow. Covers net 30, payment on completion, deposits, and more.
How to Chase Unpaid Invoices as a Tradesperson
Practical guide to recovering unpaid invoices. Covers polite reminders, formal demand letters, statutory interest, small claims court, and when to use a debt collection agency.
VAT Registration Threshold: When Should Tradespeople Register?
Understand the current VAT threshold, when registration becomes mandatory, the pros and cons of voluntary registration, and which VAT scheme works best for sole trader tradespeople.
Expenses Guides
Receipt Keeping for Sole Traders: HMRC Requirements
Everything you need to know about keeping receipts as a UK sole trader. Covers HMRC requirements, how long to keep records, digital vs paper storage, and what to do if you lose receipts.
HMRC Mileage Allowance for Sole Traders: Rates and Rules
Complete guide to claiming the HMRC mileage allowance as a self-employed tradesperson. Covers current rates, what counts as a business journey, record-keeping requirements, and mileage vs actual costs.
Claiming Tools and Equipment as Business Expenses
How to claim the cost of tools, equipment, and machinery against your tax bill. Covers the Annual Investment Allowance, capital allowances, and the difference between revenue and capital expenses for tradespeople.
Business Guides
How to Price Your Trade Services: A Guide for Sole Traders
Learn how to set profitable prices for your trade services. Covers hourly vs fixed pricing, calculating your true costs, quoting for jobs, and adjusting prices without losing customers.
Sole Trader vs Limited Company: Which Is Right for Tradespeople?
Compare the pros and cons of operating as a sole trader versus a limited company. Covers tax differences, liability, admin burden, and when it makes sense for tradespeople to incorporate.
Essential Insurance for UK Tradespeople: What You Need
A comprehensive guide to insurance for self-employed tradespeople. Covers public liability, professional indemnity, tool cover, van insurance, and employer's liability. Know what is legally required and what is strongly recommended.
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