Straightforward accounting for the self-employed

You can complete your own tax return, but many sole traders choose an accountant to save time, avoid mistakes and make sure they claim every expense they're entitled to. An accountant can also warn you about your tax bill in advance, help with Making Tax Digital and tell you when things like VAT registration or becoming a limited company are worth considering.

Online returns must be filed, and any tax paid, by 31 January following the end of the tax year. If you pay tax through Self Assessment, you may also need to make payments on account towards next year's bill, due on 31 January and 31 July. We'll tell you exactly what's due and when, so you can put money aside and avoid penalties.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is mandatory from 6 April 2026 for sole traders and landlords whose combined gross self-employment and property income is over £50,000. It extends to over £30,000 from April 2027 and over £20,000 from April 2028. You'll keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC, plus a final declaration. We can get you set up and file the updates for you.

Yes. We work with freelancers, consultants, tradespeople, contractors and sole traders across a wide range of industries, all over the UK. The basics are the same — accurate records, the right expenses and a return filed on time — but we tailor our advice to how you work and how you're paid.

Sometimes, but not always. A limited company can be more tax-efficient once profits reach a certain level, but it brings extra costs, paperwork and responsibilities as a director. We'll compare both routes using your actual figures and plans, so you can decide with the full picture rather than a rule of thumb.

Yes. We'll manage the move for you: contacting your current accountant for the information we need, getting authorised with HMRC and picking up your deadlines from there. It's usually far simpler than people expect, with minimal disruption to your business.