Accounting Blog

Learn how self-employed tax works in the UK, including Income Tax, National Insurance, student loans and VAT. This guide explains profit versus turnover, current tax bands, Scottish differences, payments on account, and practical examples so sole traders can estimate bills, budget confidently, and avoid costly surprises each tax year easily.

The UK Self Assessment tax deadline is usually 31 January for online filing and payment. This guide explains every key deadline, including registration, paper returns, payments on account, and July instalments, who must file, and how to avoid penalties by planning early and understanding HMRC rules across the tax year.

Learn what registering for Self Assessment really means, who needs to do it, and the key UK deadlines. This guide explains HMRC registration routes, the 5 October notification rule, getting your UTR, and practical tips to avoid delays, penalties, and common first-time mistakes when filing online or on paper returns.

Missed the UK Self Assessment deadline? Learn what happens next, how late-filing and late-payment penalties work, when interest applies, and what to do immediately. This guide explains filing versus payment deadlines, HMRC enforcement risks, reasonable excuses, appeals, and practical steps to minimise costs and avoid missing the deadline again future.

Learn how to pay your UK Self Assessment tax bill online with confidence. This plain-English guide explains HMRC payment options, deadlines, references, and common mistakes. Covers debit card, bank transfer, and Direct Debit payments, plus tips to avoid penalties, confirm payment, and manage bills if you can’t pay in full.

Learn what allowable expenses mean for UK Self Assessment. This practical guide explains HMRC’s wholly and exclusively rule, common deductions for sole traders and landlords, mixed-use costs, mileage, home office claims, and record keeping, helping you reduce taxable profit confidently while staying compliant with clear examples and pitfalls to avoid.

Do employed people need Self Assessment in the UK? This guide explains how HMRC Self Assessment works alongside PAYE, when employees must file a tax return, common triggers like side income or Child Benefit, and when PAYE alone is usually enough, plus deadlines, penalties, and how to check your situation.

This guide explains how much you can earn self-employed in the UK before paying tax, breaking down key thresholds for 2025/26. It covers the £1,000 trading allowance, profit vs turnover, Personal Allowance, Income Tax, National Insurance, VAT, filing requirements, and common scenarios so you can plan confidently.

You can complete your UK Self Assessment yourself using HMRC’s online system. This guide explains when DIY filing is realistic, when an accountant adds value, common mistakes to avoid, key deadlines, and how to file accurately, reduce penalties, and decide the most cost-effective approach for individuals, freelancers, and landlords nationwide.