Accountants for sole traders

Accountants for sole traders and freelancers

Your sole-trader accounts and Self Assessment prepared properly, with allowable expenses claimed, payments on account explained and Making Tax Digital handled when it applies to you.

For sole traders, freelancers, contractors and self-employed professionals trading in their own name.

See my fixed fee or book a meeting with a qualified tax specialist.

Common problems we fix for the self-employed

• Not sure what you can claim: Missing legitimate business expenses, or claiming ones HMRC would not accept.
• January surprises: A balancing payment plus the first payment on account landing at the same time.
• Records in a shoebox: Receipts and bank statements gathered in a rush just before the deadline.
• MTD uncertainty: Not knowing whether quarterly digital updates apply to you, or when.

Support for sole traders

• Sole-trader accounts and Self Assessment: Your business profit calculated and your return prepared and filed with HMRC.
• Allowable business expenses: A review of your costs so legitimate expenses are claimed and the rest are not.
• Payments on account: What you owe and when, including whether a reduction claim is appropriate.
• Making Tax Digital: Software set-up, digital records and quarterly updates when MTD applies to you.
• VAT: Registration, scheme choice and returns if you are near or over the threshold.
• CIS for subcontractors: Deductions reconciled on your return so overpaid tax can be reclaimed.

Bookkeeping and records

We can advise on simple software and record keeping so figures are ready when needed. Ongoing bookkeeping is scoped separately if you want us to do it for you.

When incorporation may be worth discussing

If profits grow, a limited company can sometimes be worth discussing. It is not right for everyone: it brings extra filings, costs and director responsibilities, so we look at the numbers with you before recommending anything.

One-off return or ongoing support

• One-off Self Assessment: £199 + VAT for a non-MTD return, including tax planning. Suitable if MTD does not yet apply to you.
• Ongoing MTD support: From £35 + VAT a month, covering quarterly updates and your year-end return, with no separate annual fee.

Is this the right page for you?

• Limited company directors: Limited company accountants
• Landlords with rental income: Landlord accountants

Meet Leon and Dale

Leon Stevens

Leon spent 10 years as a specialist tax adviser across Deloitte and KPMG before starting Blue Tick.

Dale Moore

Dale spent 12 years at a boutique independent accountancy firm before starting Blue Tick.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Self Assessment deadline?

Online returns and any balancing payment are normally due by 31 January after the end of the tax year. A second payment on account, if required, is due by 31 July.

What are payments on account?

Advance payments towards next year's bill, each normally half of the previous year's liability. They usually apply unless your last bill was under £1,000 or most of your tax was collected at source.

Does Making Tax Digital apply to me?

MTD for Income Tax applies from April 2026 to sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000, with lower thresholds planned for later years. We confirm your position and set you up when it applies.

Should I set up a limited company?

Sometimes, but not always. It depends on profit, how you take money out and the extra costs and responsibilities. We can talk it through with you before you decide.

I am employed with a little side income. Is this page for me?

This service is designed for people trading as self-employed. If you only have employment income plus other income, our self assessment fee page will still show you the right fee.