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
Tax & Self Assessment
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?
What to Do If You’ve Missed the Self Assessment Deadline
The 31 January deadline for Self Assessment is one of the most important dates in the tax calendar — but life happens, and sometimes it gets missed. If you’ve not filed or paid on time, the most … [Read more...] about What to Do If You’ve Missed the Self Assessment Deadline
How to Register as Self-Employed with HMRC
If you’ve started working for yourself — whether as a freelancer, a tradesperson, or running any kind of small business — you need to let HMRC know. Registering as self-employed is … [Read more...] about How to Register as Self-Employed with HMRC