Guides
Tax and bookkeeping, explained in plain English
Making Tax Digital, Self Assessment, VAT, expenses and deadlines for UK sole traders and small companies, with the real thresholds and dates.
Do You Need Making Tax Digital for Income Tax in 2026? Full Guide for Sole Traders & Landlords
HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA) starts April 2026 for those earning over £50k. This comprehensive guide covers who is affected, how to comply, and what it means for your self-assessment.
Read the guideDo I Need to File a Self Assessment Tax Return as a UK Sole Trader?
Comprehensive guide for UK sole traders on Self Assessment tax returns. Learn if you need to file, how to register, what income to declare, allowable expenses, and key deadlines for HMRC.
Read the guideAllowable Expenses & Trading Allowance
Comprehensive guide for UK freelancers and sole traders on allowable business expenses, the £1,000 trading allowance, and how to reduce your Self Assessment tax bill legally.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Sole Traders (MTD for ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) for UK sole traders. Understand quarterly reporting, deadlines, and how to prepare for the 2026 rollout.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) for UK sole traders and landlords. Understand who is affected, deadlines, digital record keeping, and how to comply with the new HMRC requirements starting April 2026.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) in the UK. Understand who is affected, when, and how to prepare for quarterly digital tax reporting.
Read the guideWhat Features Must MTD Accounting Software Have to be HMRC Compliant?
A comprehensive guide to the essential features MTD accounting software must have to be HMRC compliant for quarterly submissions under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA).
Read the guideWhat Accounting Software Do I Need for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax in 2026?
A comprehensive guide for UK sole traders and landlords on choosing MTD-compatible accounting software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, effective April 2026.
Read the guideCan I use Excel or Google Sheets for Making Tax Digital accounting software requirements?
HMRC permits spreadsheets for MTD, but only with compliant bridging software. Learn how to meet digital link requirements for VAT and Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) with AccountsOS.
Read the guideIs Making Tax Digital Compulsory for UK Freelancers in 2026?
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) for UK freelancers. Understand who is affected from April 2026, digital record keeping, software requirements, and key deadlines.
Read the guideHow Much National Insurance Does a UK Freelancer Pay as a Sole Trader?
Comprehensive guide to National Insurance for UK sole traders and freelancers. Understand Class 2 and Class 4 NI rates, thresholds, calculations, and how it impacts your State Pension.
Read the guideWhat Expenses Can UK Sole Traders Claim to Reduce Taxable Profit?
Comprehensive guide for UK sole traders on allowable business expenses to reduce taxable profit and minimise their Self Assessment tax bill.
Read the guideWill Your Small Business Have to Join Making Tax Digital for Income Tax in 2027 or 2028?
Comprehensive guide for UK sole traders and landlords on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA), including upcoming thresholds for 2027 and 2028, digital record-keeping, and MTD-compatible software requirements. Prepare your business with AccountsOS.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA)
HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax has begun for higher-earning sole traders. This comprehensive guide explains the new quarterly digital reporting requirements, deadlines, and how AccountsOS helps you comply.
Read the guideWhat Records Must MTD Accounting Software Keep for UK Sole Traders and Landlords?
Comprehensive guide to MTD Income Tax digital record-keeping rules for UK sole traders and landlords, covering required data, categories, and compliant software.
Read the guideCan I Still Use Excel for Making Tax Digital Accounting Software Requirements in the UK?
Guidance confirms that spreadsheets, including Excel, can still be used for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) in the UK, provided they are digitally linked to HMRC via bridging software. Understand the requirements and how to comply.
Read the guideWhat Software Do I Need for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (UK)
Comprehensive guide to HMRC-recognised software requirements for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) in the UK. Learn about digital record keeping, quarterly updates, and choosing the right MTD software for your business.
Read the guideHow Many Self Assessment Submissions Will UK Sole Traders Need to Make Under HMRC’s New MTD Rules?
A comprehensive guide for UK sole traders on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA). Understand the six annual submissions, deadlines, and how to comply.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) for UK sole traders and landlords from April 2026. Learn about digital record keeping, quarterly updates, deadlines, penalties, and how AccountsOS helps you comply.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) for UK sole traders and landlords. Learn about the new rules, deadlines, and digital record-keeping requirements from April 2026.
Read the guideWhat Software Do Sole Traders and Landlords Need for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 2026?
Comprehensive guide for sole traders and landlords on choosing HMRC-compatible software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 2026. Understand requirements, features, and compliance.
Read the guideWhat Features Must MTD Software Have to be HMRC-Compatible in the UK?
Discover the essential features MTD software must possess to be HMRC-compatible for UK businesses and landlords. A comprehensive guide to digital record keeping, quarterly updates, and final declarations.
Read the guideHMRC's New Disclosure Rules for Close Company Directors
Comprehensive guide for small company directors on new HMRC Self Assessment disclosure rules effective from April 2025. Understand reporting for dividends, shareholdings, and director loans.
Read the guideWill Making Tax Digital Replace Self Assessment for Landlords and Sole Traders in 2026?
Understanding MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment: What changes for landlords and sole traders with income over £50,000 from April 2026, and how it impacts your tax reporting.
Read the guideHMRC-Approved Software for Making Tax Digital (MTD ITSA 2026)
Discover the HMRC-approved accounting software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) starting in April 2026. Find out which platforms, including Xero, QuickBooks, and AccountsOS, meet the requirements for digital record keeping and quarterly updates.
Read the guideWhat Accounting Software Do I Need for Making Tax Digital 2026 as a Landlord or Sole Trader?
A comprehensive guide for UK landlords and sole traders on choosing HMRC-compatible accounting software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA) 2026. Understand requirements, features, and compliance.
Read the guideAllowable Expenses for UK Freelancers (Self Assessment)
Comprehensive guide for UK freelancers and self-employed professionals on claiming allowable expenses for Self Assessment tax returns. Reduce your tax bill legally.
Read the guideHome Office Allowance Claims for UK Freelancers and Sole Traders in 2026
Complete tax guide for UK freelancers and sole traders on claiming home office expenses in 2026. Learn about simplified flat rates, actual cost calculations, eligibility, and HMRC rules to maximise your allowances for the 2025/2026 tax year.
Read the guideWhen Does Making Tax Digital Start for Self-Employed in 2026?
A comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA), detailing mandatory start dates, income thresholds, digital record-keeping requirements, and how to prepare for the 2026 rollout.
Read the guideDo I Need to Use Making Tax Digital for Self Assessment in 2026-2028?
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA). Understand who needs to comply, key dates, thresholds for landlords and self-employed, and how to prepare for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 rollout.
Read the guideHow to Sign Up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA)
A comprehensive guide on the HMRC MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment sign-up process, eligibility, deadlines, and how to prepare for the April 2026 mandate for sole traders and landlords.
Read the guideWhat Accounting Software Do UK Sole Traders Need for MTD Phase 1 in April 2026?
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA) for UK sole traders and landlords. Learn which HMRC-recognised accounting software you need for digital record-keeping and quarterly updates from April 2026.
Read the guideBest Making Tax Digital Software for UK Sole Traders and Landlords in 2026
Discover the top MTD-compliant software for UK sole traders and landlords in 2026. Reviews of Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, AccountsOS, and more for digital record keeping and quarterly submissions.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) for UK sole traders and freelancers earning over £50,000, effective April 2026. Understand rules, deadlines, digital record keeping, and quarterly updates.
Read the guideWhat New Close Company Director Reporting Requirements Does HMRC Require for 2025/26?
Understand HMRC's new mandatory reporting rules for close company directors starting 2025/26. Detailed guide on shareholdings, remuneration, and compliance requirements for Self Assessment.
Read the guideMTD Income Tax Software Requirements: Which Tools Meet HMRC Standards for Accountants?
A comprehensive guide for accountants on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) software compliance. Understand HMRC standards, digital linking rules, quarterly reporting, and how to choose the right MTD-approved software for your practice and clients.
Read the guide2026 Self Assessment Deadlines for UK Sole Traders and Freelancers
A comprehensive guide to UK Self Assessment deadlines for the 2025-26 tax year. Learn about registration, filing, payment on account, allowable expenses, and penalties for sole traders and freelancers.
Read the guideWhat UK Freelancers Need to Know About MTD Phase 2 Starting April 2026
Comprehensive guide for UK self-employed individuals and landlords on MTD for ITSA Phase 2, starting April 2026. Learn about the £50,000 income threshold, digital record keeping, quarterly updates, and how AccountsOS can help you comply.
Read the guideHow Do UK Landlords Comply with Making Tax Digital Phase 1 in 2026?
Comprehensive guide for UK landlords on complying with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) from April 2026, including eligibility, software, digital records, quarterly updates, and penalties.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment: Phase 1 Deadlines for UK Sole Traders in 2026
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) Phase 1 deadlines for UK sole traders and landlords in 2026. Understand who is affected, key dates, quarterly updates, EOPS, final declarations, and how AccountsOS helps with compliance.
Read the guideAm I Exempt from MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment if I File SA109?
HMRC has updated its Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) exemption guidance for taxpayers completing the SA109 supplementary page. Understand if you are exempt, how to apply, and what this means for your tax obligations.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital Software Requirements for UK Sole Traders & Landlords
A comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) software requirements for UK sole traders and landlords, effective from April 2026.
Read the guideWhich Accounting Software Meets HMRC MTD Requirements for Income Tax 2026?
A comprehensive guide to MTD-compatible accounting software for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) from April 2026. Discover HMRC-recognised providers, key features, and how to choose the right software for your business to comply with Making Tax Digital rules.
Read the guideWhat is the New £3,000 HMRC Threshold for UK Freelancers and Sole Traders in 2026?
Understand the new £3,000 HMRC reporting threshold for freelancers, sole traders, and platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Airbnb from 2026. Learn how it impacts your Self Assessment and tax obligations.
Read the guideUK Freelancer Tax Allowances 2026: £1,000 Trading Allowance Explained for Sole Traders
A comprehensive guide for UK freelancers and sole traders on the £1,000 Trading Allowance, Property Allowance, Self Assessment filing requirements, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for ITSA, and tax-efficient strategies for 2026.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) launching April 6, 2026. Understand the new digital record keeping, quarterly updates, eligibility thresholds, penalties, and how to comply for self-employed individuals and landlords.
Read the guideWhat Are the Making Tax Digital Software Requirements Starting April 2026?
HMRC's MTD for Income Tax goes live from 6 April 2026. Discover the essential software requirements, digital record-keeping rules, quarterly updates, and how AccountsOS helps you achieve compliance.
Read the guideWhy Only 30% of UK Businesses Have Signed Up for Making Tax Digital in 2026?
Explore the reasons behind the low 30% uptake of MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) by the April 2026 deadline. Understand who needs to comply, key deadlines, potential penalties, and how to get ready with HMRC-compatible software.
Read the guideUK Freelancer Income Tax & National Insurance 2026/27
Comprehensive guide to UK Income Tax and National Insurance for sole traders and freelancers for the 2026/27 tax year. Learn about rates, allowances, allowable expenses, Self Assessment deadlines, and use our tax calculators.
Read the guideWhat Are the 2026 Sole Trader Tax Registration Deadlines for UK Freelancers?
Comprehensive guide for UK freelancers on sole trader tax registration deadlines for the 2025/26 tax year. Understand HMRC requirements, Income Tax, National Insurance, allowable expenses, and how to register by October 2026.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA)
A comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA) for UK self-employed businesses and landlords. Understand the new rules, deadlines, and how to prepare for digital record keeping and quarterly submissions starting April 2026.
Read the guideSoftware Migration Checklist: Moving from Spreadsheets to MTD-Compliant Accounting Tools in 2026
A comprehensive checklist for UK businesses and landlords migrating from manual spreadsheets to MTD-compliant accounting software for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) in 2026 and beyond.
Read the guideMTD for Income Tax: Software Guide (April 2026)
A complete guide to MTD-compliant accounting software for self-employed individuals and landlords in the UK. Find the best tools for digital record-keeping and quarterly submissions.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital: Quarterly Reporting & Digital Records
Comprehensive guide for UK accountants on Making Tax Digital (MTD) quarterly reporting requirements, digital record-keeping obligations, and how to ensure client compliance with HMRC's MTD rules. Includes practical advice, deadlines, and penalty information.
Read the guideIs Your Business Ready for Making Tax Digital? Essential MTD Compliance Checklist for UK Sole Traders Earning Over £50k
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) for UK sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000. Essential compliance checklist, deadlines, software requirements, and how AccountsOS helps you prepare for MTD.
Read the guideHow Do 2026 Capital Allowances Changes Affect UK Freelancer Expenses?
A comprehensive guide for UK sole traders and freelancers on the 2026 Capital Allowances rate changes, including main pool reduction to 14%, hybrid rate calculations, and strategic expense planning.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) for UK sole traders and freelancers. Understand 2026 thresholds, deadlines, digital record keeping, and how to prepare.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital 2026: What Sole Traders Need to Do Before 6 April
A comprehensive guide for sole traders and landlords on preparing for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), mandatory from 6 April 2026 for those with qualifying income over £50,000. Understand digital record keeping, quarterly updates, and essential deadlines.
Read the guideWhat Accounting Software Do UK Sole Traders Need for Making Tax Digital Income Tax in 2026?
A comprehensive guide for UK sole traders on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA). Learn about software requirements, compliance, deadlines, and how to prepare for the 2026 launch.
Read the guideBest HMRC-Approved Accounting Software for UK MTD Income Tax (ITSA) in 2026?
A comprehensive guide to HMRC-approved accounting software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) starting April 2026. Compare Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, and others to ensure compliance with digital record-keeping and quarterly updates.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital VAT Software Requirements for UK Businesses Under £90,000 Turnover
A comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for VAT software requirements for UK businesses, including those newly affected by the £85,000-£90,000 threshold adjustment in 2026. Understand digital record keeping, compatible software, and compliance.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax: New Thresholds for UK Sole Traders (2026-2028)
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA), detailing the new mandation thresholds for UK sole traders and landlords from £50,000 to £20,000 between April 2026 and April 2028. Understand digital record-keeping, quarterly updates, and how to prepare.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital (MTD ITSA) for UK Freelancers & Sole Traders
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) for UK sole traders and landlords. Understand new rules, deadlines, and how to comply with digital record keeping and quarterly updates from April 2026.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA). Learn who is affected, key deadlines, digital record keeping, quarterly updates, and how to prepare your small business for the April 2026 changes with AccountsOS.
Read the guideDo You Need to Use MTD for Self Assessment from April 2026?
Do you need to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Self Assessment from April 2026? Find out the new rules, thresholds, and how to prepare with AccountsOS.
Read the guideWhen Does HMRC's MTD Threshold Drop to £20,000 for UK Small Businesses?
Comprehensive guide to HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) threshold reduction to £20,000 from April 2028. Understand who is affected, key dates, requirements, and how to prepare.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA)
Comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA) in the UK. Understand who is affected, key dates, digital record-keeping, quarterly updates, and how to comply with HMRC's new requirements starting April 2026 for those with income over £50,000.
Read the guideBest MTD-Compatible Accounting Software for UK Sole Traders in 2026
A comprehensive guide for UK sole traders on selecting MTD-compatible accounting software. Understand requirements, key features, and top options for HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 2026.
Read the guideCan UK Freelancers Still Claim Home Office Expenses After April 2026 Tax Changes?
A comprehensive guide for UK freelancers on claiming home office expenses after the April 2026 tax changes. Understand the rules, allowances, and how to maximize your claims.
Read the guideMaking Tax Digital for Self-Employed: What You Need to Know Before April 2026
A comprehensive guide to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, covering requirements, deadlines, and how to prepare for the changes starting April 2026.
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