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Tax and accounting guides for Uber drivers and gig economy workers

Practical, plain-English guides on Making Tax Digital, Self Assessment, VAT, and limited companies — written for people who drive for a living, not for accountants.

Photo of a silver pen resting on a blank notepadMTD Compliance · 7 min read

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: Are You In, and From When?

MTD for Income Tax is now mandatory for the first cohort of self-employed people and landlords. Here is exactly who needs to join, and when.

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Photo of a phone in a car dashboard mount with blurred city lightsUber Driver Accounting · 8 min read

Uber Driver Tax Return: The Complete UK Guide

A step-by-step guide to registering for Self Assessment, tracking expenses, and filing your tax return as an Uber or private hire driver.

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Close-up photo of a polished brass balance scaleLimited Company Packages · 7 min read

Sole Trader vs Limited Company: When Should a Driver Switch?

Most Uber and private hire drivers start as sole traders. Here is how to work out when — if ever — a limited company actually saves you money.

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Close-up photo of stacked coins beside a calculatorMTD Compliance · 6 min read

MTD for Income Tax Accountant Cost: What Should You Budget?

What does an MTD for Income Tax accountant cost, what is included, and how do you compare quotes fairly? A plain-English guide for UK sole traders and landlords.

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Close-up photo of an open ledger book with a fountain penBookkeeping · 6 min read

Bookkeeping Service vs Doing It Yourself: A Cost Comparison

Should you keep your own books or pay for a bookkeeping service? Compare the real costs, risks and time involved for a small UK business.

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Close-up photo of a clipboard with blank paper and a penLimited Company Packages · 6 min read

Limited Company Accountant Packages: What Is Actually Included?

Limited company accountant packages look similar on the surface but differ a lot underneath. Here is what to check before you sign up.

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Close-up photo of a glass hourglass on a wooden desk, representing a deadlinePersonal Tax · 6 min read

Self Assessment Registration Deadline: What Happens If You Miss It

New to self-employment? You must register for Self Assessment by 5 October. Here is who has to register, how to do it, and what to do if you are late.

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Close-up photo of a calculator beside a stack of paper receiptsVAT Returns · 7 min read

VAT Flat Rate Scheme vs Standard VAT: Which Suits Your Business?

The VAT Flat Rate Scheme can simplify VAT, but it is not always cheaper. Compare it with standard VAT accounting and learn what to check first.

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Close-up photo of a black fountain pen resting on a blank cream sheet of paper beside a leather folderCompany Accounts · 8 min read

Company Accounts Deadlines: Start From Your Year-End Date

Your company accounts deadline, Corporation Tax dates and confirmation statement all flow from one date: your year end. Here is how to map them out.

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Close-up photo of blank ruled ledger pages with a silver pen laid across themBookkeeping · 8 min read

Bookkeeping for a VAT-Registered Business: How Much?

How much bookkeeping does a VAT-registered business really need? What MTD for VAT requires, a monthly routine that works, and the errors to avoid.

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Close-up photo of the corner of a silver laptop keyboard and the edge of a blank bright screenMTD Compliance · 8 min read

MTD Software for Limited Companies: When to Switch

MTD-compliant software is already required for company VAT, but not for company profits. What a limited company director actually needs, and when to switch.

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Close-up photo of two uneven stacks of coins on a dark walnut surfaceCorporation Tax · 8 min read

Corporation Tax Marginal Relief Explained

Corporation Tax marginal relief smooths the step between the small profits rate and the main rate. How it works, plus the associated company trap.

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Close-up photo of a thick untidy stack of blank white paper sheets held by a metal paperclipPersonal Tax · 8 min read

Behind on Self Assessment? A Step-by-Step Catch-Up Plan

Behind on Self Assessment tax returns? A calm, practical catch-up plan: find the missing years, file the oldest first, then deal with paying HMRC.

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Close-up photo of a stack of plain white envelopes held by a paperclip beside a potted plantPayroll · 8 min read

The True Cost of an Employee: A Payroll Guide

The true cost of an employee goes well beyond salary. Employer National Insurance, pension, holiday and payroll admin, and how to budget a new hire.

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Close-up photo of a yellow hard hat resting on a clipboard with blank paper on a wooden tableCIS · 8 min read

CIS Monthly Return Deadlines: A Contractor's Calendar

CIS return deadlines fall on the 19th, with payment due by the 22nd. A contractor calendar for late 2026, plus a routine that keeps every month on time.

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Close-up photo of several neat stacks of blank white paper on a wooden desk in soft lightMTD Compliance · 8 min read

MTD Quarterly Updates: Deadlines and What to Send

MTD quarterly update deadlines are 7 August, 7 November, 7 February and 7 May. What each update contains and how to keep it to a short routine.

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Close-up photo of an open brown leather wallet beside a black pen on a dark wood deskLimited Company Packages · 8 min read

Director's Loan Account Explained for Small Companies

A director's loan account explained in plain English: what goes in it, when an overdrawn balance costs the company tax, and how to keep it under control.

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Close-up photo of a stitched black leather car seat and headrest in warm amber lightPrivate Hire Drivers · 8 min read

Private Hire Insurance and Your Tax Return

Is private hire insurance tax deductible? How hire and reward insurance is claimed, why it cannot sit alongside mileage rates, and how to split private use.

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Close-up photo of a small glass jar of plain silver discs beside green leaves on a light wooden deskPayroll · 7 min read

Employment Allowance: Is Your Small Business Eligible?

Employment Allowance eligibility explained: who can claim, who is excluded, how to claim through payroll, and the mistakes that get claims reversed.

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Close-up photo of a smartphone on a white desk beside a small succulent in a white potMTD Compliance · 7 min read

MTD Digital Records: What Counts and What Doesn't

What counts as an MTD digital record, what a digital link is, and whether spreadsheets and paper receipts still work under MTD for Income Tax.

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Close-up photo of a plain grey box file on a wooden shelf in soft side lightCompany Accounts · 7 min read

Dormant Company Accounts: What You Still Have to File

Dormant company accounts still have to be filed. What a dormant company must send to Companies House and HMRC, and when closing it makes more sense.

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Close-up photo of a single orange autumn leaf resting on a plain envelope on a wooden tablePersonal Tax · 7 min read

31 October Paper Tax Return Deadline: Should You Use It?

The paper tax return deadline for 2025/26 is 31 October 2026. How it differs from the online deadline, who it matters to, and what to do before it.

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Close-up photo of a matte black cycling helmet resting on a wooden bench in warm lamp lightPersonal Tax · 7 min read

Delivery Courier Expenses: What You Can and Can't Claim

Delivery courier expenses explained: vehicle costs, phone, bags and platform fees you can claim, the costs you cannot, and the records you need.

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Close-up photo of a yellow hard hat resting on a pale timber plank against a green backgroundCIS · 7 min read

CIS Deduction Rates Explained: 20%, 30% and Gross Status

CIS deduction rates explained: when 20%, 30% or gross payment status applies, what the deduction is taken from, and how subcontractors get it back.

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Close-up photo of yellow daffodils in a small glass jar on a white windowsillMTD Compliance · 7 min read

MTD for Income Tax April 2027: A Six-Month Plan

MTD for Income Tax April 2027 applies if 2025/26 income was over £30,000. A month-by-month plan to check, choose software and be ready in time.

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Close-up photo of silver paper clips on a blank white sheet on a light oak deskBookkeeping · 7 min read

Month-End Bookkeeping Checklist for Small Businesses

A month-end bookkeeping checklist for UK small businesses: record, reconcile and review each month so VAT, MTD and year-end are quicker and calmer.

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Close-up photo of two stacks of plain gold coins on a dark wooden surfaceLimited Company Packages · 8 min read

Director Salary vs Dividends: How to Pay Yourself

Director salary vs dividends explained: how each is taxed, what paperwork you need and how limited company owners plan a sensible mix each tax year.

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Close-up photo of a pale pink ceramic piggy bank on a wooden table beside a sprig of eucalyptusPersonal Tax · 7 min read

Payments on Account Explained: Why January Bills Jump

Payments on account explained: who pays them, the 31 January and 31 July dates, why your first bill jumps, and how to reduce them if income falls.

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Close-up photo of a glowing brass desk lamp on a walnut desk in front of bookshelvesCompany Accounts · 7 min read

Confirmation Statement Explained: What and When to File

Confirmation statement explained: what it confirms, when it is due, how it differs from annual accounts, and how to file it with Companies House on time.

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Close-up photo of plain brown paper bags tied with string on a light wooden counterVAT Returns · 7 min read

VAT Invoice Requirements: What Every Invoice Must Show

VAT invoice requirements for UK businesses: the details a full VAT invoice must show, when simplified invoices apply, and a checklist to test your template.

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Close-up photo of a small green plant in a terracotta pot on a white sash window sillMTD Compliance · 7 min read

MTD for Landlords: How Rental Income Is Affected

MTD for landlords explained: how gross rent counts towards the £30,000 threshold from April 2027, joint ownership, agent statements and what to do now.

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Close-up photo of a sage green apron and a beige apron hanging on wooden hooks against white brickPayroll · 7 min read

Payroll for Your First Employee: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up payroll for your first employee: registering with HMRC, RTI submissions, paying PAYE, pensions and insurance, in the order you need to do them.

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Close-up photo of colourful cotton thread spools and silver scissors on a wooden tablePersonal Tax · 7 min read

Side Income and Self Assessment: Do You Need to Register?

Side income and Self Assessment: when the £1,000 trading allowance applies, why to register by 5 October 2026, and allowance vs actual expenses.

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Close-up photo of a tan leather wallet and a black leather wallet lying apart on a light oak deskBookkeeping · 7 min read

Separate Business Bank Account: Do You Need One?

Do you need a separate business bank account? The rules for sole traders and limited companies, why it matters for MTD, and how to make the switch.

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Close-up photo of a single sealed cardboard box on a sunlit wooden floor in an empty roomCompany Accounts · 8 min read

How to Close a Limited Company: Your Options Compared

How to close a limited company: strike-off vs members' and creditors' voluntary liquidation, how money taken out is taxed, and the steps to follow.

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Close-up photo of a brass and glass hourglass with golden sand on a dark wooden deskCorporation Tax · 7 min read

Corporation Tax Payment Deadline: 9 Months and 1 Day

The corporation tax payment deadline is 9 months and 1 day after your year end, before the return is due. Dates for common year ends and how to be ready.

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Close-up photo of smooth grey stones balanced in a tower on a white desk in soft lightMTD Compliance · 7 min read

MTD Penalty Points Explained: How to Avoid Fines

MTD penalty points explained: how late quarterly updates earn points, when the £200 penalty applies, how points expire, and how to keep your record clean.

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Close-up photo of raindrops on a car side window with warm orange bokeh lights behindUber Driver Accounting · 7 min read

Uber Drivers: Mileage Allowance vs Actual Car Costs

Uber driver mileage vs actual costs: how the flat mileage rate compares with claiming running costs and capital allowances, and why the choice lasts.

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Close-up photo of a closed grey metal cash box with a handle on a wooden tableBookkeeping · 7 min read

Cash Basis vs Accruals: Which Should You Use?

Cash basis vs accruals for sole traders: how each method times income and costs, what changed from April 2024, and how to choose the right one for you.

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Close-up photo of a small green seedling in a white ceramic pot on a white deskLimited Company Packages · 7 min read

New Limited Company? Your First-Year Checklist

New limited company first-year checklist: corporation tax registration, bank account, payroll, VAT, the first confirmation statement and first accounts.

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Close-up photo of a small bonsai tree in a brown ceramic bowl on a wooden deskCompany Accounts · 7 min read

Micro-Entity Accounts Explained for Small Companies

Micro-entity accounts explained: the size limits from April 2025, what the accounts contain, what HMRC still needs, and which companies cannot use them.

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Close-up photo of a crusty round sourdough loaf dusted with flour on a wooden boardVAT Returns · 7 min read

VAT Cash Accounting Scheme: Pay VAT When You Are Paid

The VAT Cash Accounting Scheme explained: pay VAT when customers pay you, the £1.35m joining limit, who it suits, exclusions and how to switch safely.

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Close-up photo of tortoiseshell reading glasses resting on a dark green notebook on a wooden deskPersonal Tax · 8 min read

Sole Trader Allowable Expenses: What You Can Claim

Sole trader allowable expenses explained: the wholly and exclusively test, common costs you can and cannot claim, working from home and the records to keep.

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Close-up photo of smooth grey pebbles in the brass pan of a balance scale on a wooden deskMTD Compliance · 8 min read

MTD Qualifying Income Explained: How HMRC Measures It

MTD qualifying income explained: what counts towards the £50,000, £30,000 and £20,000 thresholds, what is left out, and how to work out your own figure.

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Close-up photo of two plain cardboard storage boxes with lids stacked on a wooden shelfBookkeeping · 8 min read

How Long to Keep Business Records in the UK

How long to keep business records in the UK: 5 years for sole traders, 6 for companies and VAT, 3 for payroll, plus what to keep and how to store it.

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Close-up photo of a black and gold pen resting on a blank notepad in a dark leather folderCorporation Tax · 8 min read

Company Tax Return (CT600) Explained for Directors

Company Tax Return (CT600) explained: what the return contains, the 12-month filing deadline, late filing penalties and how it differs from your accounts.

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Close-up photo of golden sand falling through the neck of a glass hourglassPersonal Tax · 8 min read

Self Assessment Late Filing Penalties Explained

Self Assessment late filing penalties explained: the £100 fixed penalty, daily charges, 6 and 12 month penalties, appeals and what to do if you cannot pay.

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Close-up photo of a polished brass counter bell on a wooden shop counter with flowers behindVAT Returns · 8 min read

VAT Registration Threshold: When You Must Register

The VAT registration threshold explained: the £90,000 rolling 12-month test, the 30-day test, registration deadlines and how to monitor your turnover.

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