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Self Employment Tax Services
Expert Tax Services for Sole Traders
Our experienced tax accountants provide expert self-employment tax services, from self-assessment to expense claims and HMRC compliance. With our tailored approach, we reduce stress, simplify tax rules, and deliver favourable outcomes confidently.
Get Help with Self-Assessment and HMRC Compliance
Self Employment Tax Accountants
Self-employment tax accountants offer expert guidance to sole traders and freelancers, helping them manage self-assessment, expenses, and HMRC compliance. Our specialists simplify complex rules, prepare accurate returns, and ensure deadlines are met efficiently. This structured support reduces liabilities, prevents costly errors, and offers peace of mind. Accessible to startups, contractors, and established small businesses, our services deliver cost-effective solutions and long-term financial stability.
Self Employment Tax for Freelancers
Expert tax services for sole traders and freelancers simplify self-assessment, expense claims, and HMRC compliance. Our specialists provide tailored advice to navigate complex rules, manage obligations, and reduce liabilities efficiently. This support saves time and minimises errors, maximising relief. Ideal for both new freelancers and established sole traders, our services ensure clarity, cost-effectiveness, and long-term financial security.
Do you need help with your Tax Return Filling?
Schedule a free 30‑minute consultation to discuss your personal tax compliance.
Whether you need help with simple tax returns or complex issues, we’ve designed our service to ensure you feel supported, informed, and in control every step of the way.
Get expert tax advice without visiting an office. Our virtual consultations can review, plan, and resolve your tax matters.
Book a consultation with a tax expert to identify any issues and receive the most effective strategy for future compliance.
Appointments can be scheduled online, by phone, or in person with a tax advisor. Contact our office to discuss your needs and next steps.
The values we live by
Honesty guides everything we do. We believe in transparent advice, accurate reporting, and doing what’s right for our clients every time.
We live and breathe tax. Our expert team delivers up-to-date, accurate advice so clients stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
Every client matters. We take time to listen, understand your needs, and deliver personalised tax solutions with care and attention to detail.
OUR SERVICES
Our Practice Areas
We are a team of specialist tax advisors who are delivering expert guidance on tax compliance, international tax, HMRC investigations, business structuring, capital gains, inheritance tax, corporation tax and self assessment services.
We know personal taxes can be overwhelming. With us, your returns are accurate, on time, and tailored to your unique life.
We know running a business is hard enough. Let us handle your business taxes so you can focus on growth with confidence.
We know smart planning makes a difference. Our tax strategies help you stay compliant, save more, and plan for the future.
We know living abroad brings tax challenges. Whether in or out of the UK, we make your expat taxes smooth and stress-free
We know HMRC enquiries can be daunting. Count on us for expert support and peace of mind during your tax investigation.
We know unfair tax bills cause stress. If you disagree with HMRC, we’ll guide your tax appeal with precision and confidence.
We are leading network of qualified accountants, tax advisors and specialist business consultants in United Kingdom
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Your Questions - Our Answers
We are here to help you with any questions you may have
What is self-employment tax, and who needs to pay it?
If you work for yourself in the UK—whether as a sole trader, freelancer, or in the gig economy—you’re responsible for paying your own tax. Unlike employees, tax isn’t deducted at source by an employer. Instead, you report income and expenses through HMRC’s self-assessment system.
Self-employment tax includes:
- Income Tax on your profits.
- National Insurance contributions (NICs).
- Possible VAT if your turnover exceeds the threshold.
Let’s say you’re a freelance designer earning £40,000 a year. After claiming legitimate business expenses like software, internet, and travel, your profit may drop to £32,000. That’s the figure HMRC uses to calculate your tax.
The challenge? Keeping accurate records, registering on time, and filing returns accurately and without errors. Missing deadlines can result in £100 late filing penalties, interest, and additional charges.
At Tax Accountant, we help self-employed individuals manage this entire process. We register you with HMRC, prepare and submit self-assessments, and calculate what’s due. We also ensure you don’t miss out on allowable expenses or reliefs that could save you thousands.
How do I register as self-employed with HMRC?
Registering as self-employed is your first step toward tax compliance. It informs HMRC that you’re running a business and are required to file a self-assessment tax return annually.
You can register online through HMRC’s website. Once done, you’ll receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), which you’ll use to file tax returns. You also need to set up a Government Gateway account for digital access.
But registration can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. Questions often arise: Do you need to register for VAT? When should you start paying Class 2 or Class 4 National Insurance? What if you have both self-employed and employed income?
At Tax Accountant, we simplify the process. We guide you through the registration process, ensure you meet deadlines, and confirm that you’re set up correctly from day one. For example, a part-time freelancer earning alongside a PAYE job may not be aware that they still need to register. We help prevent mistakes that could lead to penalties later. Once registered, we can also forecast your likely tax liability, helping you budget throughout the year rather than being surprised by unexpected expenses in January.
How does the self-assessment tax return work for the self-employed?
The self-assessment return is how HMRC calculates what you owe. You report income, claim allowable expenses, and pay tax on the profit.
Deadlines matter:
- 31 October (paper returns).
- 31 January (online returns and tax payment).
The return includes not only your self-employment income but also other types of income, such as dividends, rental profits, or pensions. Many first-timers are surprised at how detailed it is.
For example, a self-employed plumber earning £55,000 might deduct costs for tools, fuel, and protective clothing. After expenses, taxable profit could fall to £45,000. That’s the figure HMRC uses to calculate Income Tax and NICs.
The challenge is accuracy. Forgetting to claim expenses means overpaying. Claiming incorrectly could trigger an HMRC enquiry.
At Tax Accountant, we prepare self-assessments with precision and accuracy. We check your records, claim every allowable expense, and file on time. If HMRC raises questions, we handle the communication on their behalf.
What expenses can self-employed people claim?
Knowing what you can claim is one of the best ways to reduce your tax bill. HMRC allows self-employed individuals to deduct “allowable expenses” directly related to their business.
Common examples include:
- Office costs: rent, internet, software.
- Travel expenses: fuel, parking, and train tickets.
- Tools and equipment.
- Marketing and advertising.
- Professional fees, including accountants.
Let’s say you’re a freelance photographer. Your camera equipment, editing software, and travel expenses for shoots are all legitimate costs. If you earn £30,000 but spend £7,000 on these costs, your taxable profit drops to £23,000.
Caution is important; you can’t claim personal costs, such as clothing or your daily commute. Errors may lead to HMRC penalties. At Tax Accountant, we help you differentiate between business and personal expenses, ensuring all allowable costs are claimed correctly. Many clients are surprised by the savings they achieve through improved expense tracking.
What Happens if I Miss the Tax Return Deadline?
If you miss HMRC’s self-assessment deadline, penalties apply automatically. Even if you owe no tax, you’ll be fined £100 for being late. If the return is more than three months late, daily penalties may apply. Interest is also charged on unpaid tax.
For example, missing the 31 January online deadline could mean:
- £100 penalty immediately.
- Daily £10 fines after three months (up to £900).
- Additional charges at six and twelve months.
The good news? You can appeal penalties if you have a valid reason, such as serious illness. But prevention is better than cure.
At Tax Accountant, we ensure clients never miss deadlines. We prepare returns early, send reminders, and file securely online. If you’re already late, we help minimise damage by filing quickly and negotiating with HMRC to reduce penalties where possible.
How do self-employed people pay National Insurance?
Self-employed individuals usually pay two types of National Insurance (NI):
- Class 2 – A flat weekly rate if profits exceed a threshold.
- Class 4 – A percentage of profits above set limits.
These are calculated as part of your self-assessment and paid with your tax bill in January and July.
For example, a sole trader with £20,000 profit pays both Class 2 and Class 4 contributions. This not only funds public services but also protects entitlement to the state pension and certain benefits.
At Tax Accountant, we calculate NI accurately and ensure you don’t overpay. If your profits are low, we’ll explain voluntary contributions to help maintain your pension record.
How should self-employed people keep tax records?
Good record-keeping is the foundation of stress-free self-employment tax. HMRC requires you to keep records for at least five years after the filing deadline. These records include invoices, receipts, bank statements, mileage logs, and proof of any expenses you claim.
The purpose is twofold: to make your tax return accurate and to provide evidence if HMRC ever queries your figures. Poor records can result in missed expenses, overpaid taxes, or worse—penalties for errors.
For example, a self-employed carpenter who loses receipts for materials might not be able to claim them. That could mean hundreds of pounds in unnecessary tax.
At Tax Accountant, we recommend using digital bookkeeping software to keep everything organised. Apps allow you to scan receipts instantly, connect bank accounts, and track expenses automatically. This not only saves time but ensures you’re ready if HMRC investigates. We also review your records throughout the year, not just at tax season, to make sure everything is consistent and compliant. This prevents errors from piling up and helps you claim every allowable deduction.
Do self-employed people need to register for VAT?
VAT registration depends on your turnover. If your business income exceeds the VAT threshold (currently £85,000), you are required to register. Below that, registration is optional. VAT can be confusing for the self-employed. You may charge VAT on your services, reclaim VAT on expenses, and file quarterly VAT returns. Even voluntary registration can be beneficial if you purchase a large quantity of goods or deal with VAT-registered clients.
For example, a freelance consultant earning £60,000 doesn’t need to register; however, if they work with VAT-registered companies, registering voluntarily may make them appear more professional and allow for expense reclaims.
At Tax Accountant, we advise whether VAT registration makes sense for you. We handle the registration process, set up VAT accounting, and file returns on time. We also explain schemes like the Flat Rate Scheme, which can simplify VAT for smaller businesses.
What happens if HMRC investigates my self-employment taxes?
An HMRC enquiry doesn’t always mean you’ve done something wrong. Sometimes it’s random, other times triggered by unusual patterns—like inconsistent income or high expenses.
During an investigation, HMRC may request bank statements, invoices, receipts, or explanations for certain claims. They’ll compare your records against your tax return to check accuracy.
The experience can be stressful, but with professional support, it can be managed smoothly. At Tax Accountant, we represent clients in all types of HMRC investigations. We prepare evidence, respond to HMRC queries, and negotiate outcomes that minimise penalties.
For example, a client was flagged for underreporting freelance income. After reviewing the bank statements, we clarified the errors and negotiated a reduced settlement, thereby avoiding harsher penalties.
The key is not to panic and never ignore HMRC letters. Getting professional help early often makes a huge difference.
How can self-employed people plan to reduce taxes?
Tax planning is about more than filling forms—it’s about structuring your finances to pay less tax legally.
Effective strategies include:
- Claiming all allowable expenses.
- Using simplified expenses for vehicles or home offices.
- Contributing to pensions for tax relief.
- Timing purchases or investments to maximise deductions.
- Considering incorporation if profits grow significantly.
For example, buying equipment in March instead of April can result in a lower tax bill the following year. Contributing to a pension not only saves for the future but also lowers taxable income in the present.
At Tax Accountant, we tailor tax planning to your business. We analyse your income, expenses, and growth goals to create a plan that reduces liabilities without risk. Many clients save thousands each year with the right advice.
Why choose Tax Accountant for self-employment tax services?
The self-employed face unique challenges: juggling income, tracking expenses, and staying compliant with HMRC. Mistakes cost money and cause stress. That’s why choosing the right tax accountant is essential.
At Tax Accountant, we provide complete support for sole traders, freelancers, and contractors. Our services include:
- Registering with HMRC.
- Preparing and filing self-assessments.
- Claiming expenses and reliefs.
- VAT advice and registration.
- HMRC investigation defence.
- Ongoing tax planning.
What makes us different is our personalised approach. We don’t just file numbers—we look at your situation, explain options in plain English, and design strategies to save money long-term.
For example, a freelance IT consultant came to us late with fines piling up. We corrected their returns, negotiated with HMRC, and saved them over £4,000 in penalties and tax.