Seven in ten UK sole traders are not ready for Making Tax Digital ahead of April. Sage launches £25,000 prize to help cover tax bills.
Category: Money & Tax for the Self-Employed
Everything you need to manage money and tax as a freelancer or sole trader – from self-assessment to invoicing and cashflow.
Seven overlooked money-saving tips for small businesses in 2026
2026 is here and small business owners felt the squeeze during 2025, with increases to the rate of National Insurance Contribution for employers and increases to the minimum wage resulting in higher per-employee costs.
Nearly 900,000 self-employed Brits fear they won’t afford their January tax bill
Almost one in five self-employed people in the UK expect to struggle to pay their Self Assessment tax bill this month, underlining the mounting financial pressure facing sole traders and freelancers at the start of 2026.
58% of self-employed Brits have considered dumping their accountant
More than half of UK sole traders have thought about leaving their accountant, with high fees and poor communication driving the breakups.
Making Tax Digital for landlords and the self-employed: what changes from April 2026
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment starts from April 2026. Here’s what landlords and the self-employed need to know about quarterly reporting, thresholds and preparation.
Mortgage rules set to ease for self-employed buyers
Mortgage rules could be eased for first-time buyers, the self-employed and older borrowers under new FCA proposals aimed at widening access to affordable home loans.
HMRC warns seasonal workers to check their pay this Christmas
HMRC has urged seasonal and temporary workers to check they are being paid at least the minimum wage this Christmas, warning that unpaid hours and deductions are common causes of underpayment.
Warning issued over HMRC scams as fraudsters target taxpayers this Christmas
Taxpayers are being urged to stay alert this Christmas as scammers posing as HMRC step up efforts, offering fake tax refunds or threatening legal action, experts warn.
Small firms warn high-cost online lenders are trapping them in a ‘punishing debt spiral’
Small firms shut out by banks are turning to online lenders charging high rates, trapping many in a “punishing debt spiral”. CDFIs report a surge in refinancing as SMEs seek escape from costly loans.
One in three sole traders still using pen and paper as digital tax deadline approaches
New Sage research shows 33% of sole traders still use pen and paper for finances, with 70% unaware they must submit digital tax returns from April under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
The best pension options for the self-employed in 2025
Only one in five self-employed workers save into a pension, but with generous tax reliefs and flexible plans available, there’s never been a better time to start. Here’s how to choose the right pension for your business and future.
Why employing your spouse could save you thousands in tax
Employing your spouse or partner could cut your tax bill by thousands. From using their personal allowance to boosting pension contributions, experts explain how this smart move can benefit both your household and your business.
HMRC and BFI investigate film producer Alan Latham over £16m taxpayer-funded movie projects
HMRC and the British Film Institute are investigating film producer Alan Latham after 21 of his movies sought £16m in UK tax relief. Liquidators are probing £20m in missing film investments.
The TikTok tax: Millions risk HMRC fines as side hustlers surge past £1,000 earnings threshold
New data from Tide reveals that 42% of UK social media users now earn from content creation — but many risk HMRC penalties for missing the £1,000 trading allowance threshold as side hustles turn into real businesses.
HMRC has stepped up its campaign to expand the scope of ‘confectionery’ under VAT law – and the courts are backing them
HMRC is reclassifying more sweet products as confectionery under VAT rules, hitting producers, wholesalers and retailers with 20% tax liabilities. Here’s what it means for UK food businesses.
