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- Can I Use Spreadsheets for Making Tax Digital?
You can keep using spreadsheets for MTD with bridging software. Here's the digital links rule, pros and cons, and when to switch to full accounting software.
- The Cheapest MTD Software for Sole Traders: 6 Myths Debunked
MTD software doesn't have to cost money. Here are 6 common MTD myths debunked — with the free and low-cost options every sole trader should know.
- Claiming Car Expenses as a Sole Trader: Mileage Rate vs Capital Allowances (and When Each Wins)
Mileage rate or capital allowances for your business vehicle? The choice is irrevocable and getting it wrong costs tax. Here's how to decide which method wins.
- Do I Need a Business Bank Account for MTD? The Practical Requirement Explained
MTD doesn't legally require a business bank account, but MTD-compatible software needs a bank feed. Here's how to connect yours.
- Do You Need an Invoice to Claim a Business Expense? What HMRC Actually Requires
An invoice is not what makes an expense deductible. HMRC wants adequate records and a genuine business purpose. Here's what counts as proof and what doesn't.
- How to Register for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
A step-by-step guide to signing up for MTD for Income Tax. What you need, when to do it, and how to authorise your software.
- How to Work Out Your Self-Employed Tax: A Step-by-Step Calculation Guide (2026/27)
Work out your self-employed tax bill step by step. Income Tax bands, Class 4 NI, and the trading allowance — with worked examples at three income levels.
- Do I Need to Enter Every Transaction for MTD, or Can I Just Submit Totals?
MTD requires a digital record for every transaction, but HMRC only receives totals. Here's what to record, what's submitted, and how software automates it.
- MTD Quarterly Updates: A Practical Guide to Deadlines, Record-Keeping and Penalties
MTD quarterly updates explained: how they work, when they're due, what records to keep, and what penalties apply. Plain English guide for sole traders.
- MTD Readiness Checklist: Get Ready Before the Deadline
A practical checklist to get your records, software and HMRC registration ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
- Is MTD Software an Allowable Expense? What HMRC Says (BIM35805 & BIM46450)
MTD software costs are an allowable expense for sole traders. Here's how HMRC rules BIM35805 and BIM46450 apply, with worked examples.
- Can You Use Your Accountant's Address for HMRC? What Non-Resident Landlords Should Know
Non-resident landlords often ask to use their accountant's UK address for HMRC. Here's why that's risky, how HMRC's address system works, and what to do.
- Can You Claim a Business Expense on a Personal Credit Card? Yes — Here's How
Sole traders can claim business expenses paid on a personal credit card. HMRC cares about the purpose, not which card you used. Here's how to record it.
- How to Record Airbnb Income for Tax and MTD (With Xero Worked Example)
Airbnb pays you net of fees but you must record gross income and fees separately. Here's how to record short-term let income and what changed.
- Self Assessment Tax Return Example: A Filled-In SA100 Walkthrough for Sole Traders
A filled-in Self Assessment tax return example for a UK sole trader. See what goes in each SA100 and SA103S box, with real figures and the final tax bill.
- Starling Accounting Won't Link to HMRC for MTD? Here's Why and How to Fix It
Starling Accounting's MTD link keeps failing? The cause is almost always HMRC-side: wrong credentials, NI mismatch, or no MTD sign-up yet. Here's the fix.
- Working From Home Expenses for Sole Traders: Flat Rate vs Actual Costs (2026/27)
Sole traders can claim home office costs via HMRC's flat rate (£10-£26/month) or actual costs. Here's how to decide which method saves more tax.