Self-employed guides & resources
Practical guides for UK sole traders, freelancers, and self-employed professionals — from registering with HMRC through to knowing when it's time to incorporate. Written by ACCA and AAT qualified accountants.
Associate Dentist Tax Guide: Self-Employment, Expenses & NHS Pension
Most associate dentists are self-employed, but since 6 April 2023 HMRC no longer treats associates on standard BDA agreements as automatically self-employed — status depends on control, substitution and financial risk…
What is a Sole Trader? - Definition, Advantages, Tax Responsibilities
A sole trader is a UK self-employed individual who runs their business personally, with no legal separation between owner and business…
How to Register as Self-employed in the UK
To register as self-employed in the UK, you must sign up with HMRC for Self Assessment online at no cost. You need to register by 5 October…
Tax-Free Childcare for the Self-employed
Self-employed parents in the UK can use Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) to get a government top-up of £2 for every £8 paid into an online…
Accounting Guide and Best Accounting Software for Freelancers
Freelancers in the UK need to track income, expenses, and tax obligations from the start. Cloud-based accounting software such as…
FLARE Framework - Improve Happiness and Satisfaction at Work
The FLARE framework helps self-employed individuals structure their approach to workplace happiness around five pillars: Flexibility and…
10 Advantages of Being a Sole Trader
Sole traders benefit from full control and decision-making speed, keeping all profits after tax, minimal setup costs, simpler accounting…
How to Pay Yourself as a Sole Trader
As a sole trader, you pay yourself by withdrawing money from your business, known as drawings. Drawings are not taxed at withdrawal…
Self Employed Tax - What You Need to Know for 2024/25
Self employed tax rates UK for 2025/26 include income tax at 20% on earnings between £12,570-£50,270, 40% on £50,270-£125,140, and 45%…
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Frequently asked questions
When should a sole trader switch to a limited company?
The crossover usually sits around £30,000–£40,000 of annual profit, but it depends on how much profit you need to take out personally. Below that, the extra compliance of a Ltd company often outweighs the tax saving. Above it, dividends typically start to win. An accountant can model your specific numbers.
How much should a sole trader put aside for tax?
A safe rule of thumb is 25–30% of profit — that covers income tax (20% or 40%), Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance. If your profit crosses £100,000 or you trigger payments-on-account, the ratio climbs. Keep the money in a separate savings pot.
Is sole trader still the right setup for you?
Book a free 20-minute consultation with a qualified accountant. We'll model your numbers and tell you plainly whether a Ltd company would save you money.