If you're a sole trader in East Lothian or Edinburgh and you're claiming, or thinking about claiming, Universal Credit, there's one thing worth knowing early: it doesn't treat self-employed income the … [Read more...] about Important: How Universal Credit for the Self-Employed Actually Works
Tax & Self Assessment
2027 Property Tax Changes: What Every Landlord Needs to Know
From April 2027, it will be possible to lose money on a rental property in a given year and still receive a tax bill telling you that you made a profit. That’s not a drafting error — it’s … [Read more...] about 2027 Property Tax Changes: What Every Landlord Needs to Know
National Insurance Gaps: What HMRC’s Letters to the Self-Employed Mean
If you're self-employed and a letter has landed from HMRC about gaps in your National Insurance record, take a breath. It isn't a bill. It doesn't automatically mean anything is wrong. HMRC is writing … [Read more...] about National Insurance Gaps: What HMRC’s Letters to the Self-Employed Mean
HMRC Mileage Rate Rises to 55p a Mile — First Increase in 15 Years
If you use your own car or van for business journeys, there's good news: HMRC's approved mileage rate has gone up for the first time in 15 years. From 6 April 2026, the rate for cars and vans rises … [Read more...] about HMRC Mileage Rate Rises to 55p a Mile — First Increase in 15 Years
What Happens If HMRC Investigates My Business?
Receiving a letter from HMRC telling you your tax affairs are under review is unsettling — but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong. HMRC investigates both randomly and … [Read more...] about What Happens If HMRC Investigates My Business?
What Is the Trading Allowance — and Can I Use It?
If you earn a modest amount from self-employment on top of other income — perhaps from a side hustle, casual work, or selling things online — you may be able to take advantage of the trading allowance … [Read more...] about What Is the Trading Allowance — and Can I Use It?
How to Budget for Your Tax Bill as a Sole Trader
One of the biggest financial challenges for self-employed people is the tax bill. Unlike employees, sole traders don’t have tax deducted at source — it all comes due in one (or sometimes two) … [Read more...] about How to Budget for Your Tax Bill as a Sole Trader
Working From Home as a Self-Employed Person: What Can You Claim?
Many sole traders and self-employed people work from home, at least some of the time. The good news is that HMRC allows you to claim a portion of your home running costs as a business expense — … [Read more...] about Working From Home as a Self-Employed Person: What Can You Claim?