Category: FAQ

  • How self employed pay tax (UK guide)

    Self-employed people in the UK pay tax by completing a Self Assessment tax return each year and paying Income Tax and National Insurance on their profits. Understanding how it works When you work for yourself, you’re responsible for calculating your own tax. HMRC won’t do it automatically.You need to register as self-employed, keep records of…

  • Does my accountant need access to my bank account?

    No, your accountant should never need your personal bank login details, PIN, or password. You should never share these with anyone. Giving out this information is a major security risk, could lead to fraud, and likely breaks the terms and conditions of your bank account. While they don’t need access to log in, they do…

  • Is it hard to get a mortgage as self employed?

    No, it isn’t necessarily harder to get a mortgage as self-employed, but the process is different and requires more paperwork. Lenders just want to be sure you have a steady and reliable income to afford the monthly payments. Instead of showing payslips from an employer, you have to prove your income in other ways. 🏠…

  • How to Avoid 40% Tax Self Employed

    To avoid 40% tax self employed (known as the Higher Rate), you must legally reduce your taxable profits to below £50,271. The two most effective ways to do this are by claiming all your allowable business expenses and by making pension contributions. This article explains how this works in simple terms. (Note: These figures are…

  • How to Get Your SA302 Form

    If you need your SA302 (Tax Calculation) for a loan application, the quickest way to get it is usually through the HMRC website. Option 1: Download from HMRC Website If you filed your tax return yourself via GOV.UK, follow these steps: Note: If you just submitted your return, you usually have to wait 72 hours…

  • Can I Get a Loan if Self-Employed?

    Yes, you absolutely can get a loan if you work for yourself in the UK. While high street banks often find it easier to lend to people with regular PAYE payslips, many specialist lenders now provide loans for self-employed workers, contractors, and freelancers. You just need to be prepared to prove your income is stable…

  • Can I Use a Spreadsheet for Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

    Yes, you can still use spreadsheets, BUT it is no longer as simple as just typing the numbers into the HMRC website. If you are self-employed, you might currently use a simple spreadsheet to track your income and expenses. Once a year, you probably just type the totals from that spreadsheet into the HMRC website…

  • Why Did HMRC Ask Me for a Self Assessment?

    If HMRC has asked you to complete a tax self assessment, it’s usually for a simple reason: they believe you have earned income that hasn’t been taxed automatically (like wages are). The most common reason is that you have registered as a self-employed sole trader or have become a landlord. What is a Tax Self…

  • What is Hourly Rate for a Bookkeeper in UK

    In the UK, the average hourly rate for a freelance bookkeeper in 2025 is typically between £25 and £40 per hour. This rate varies significantly based on the bookkeeper’s experience, qualifications (e.g., AAT or ICB certified), and location, with rates in London being considerably higher. Why Hourly Bookkeeping Rates Can Be Misleading While paying by…

  • How Do I Set Up Making Tax Digital? (MTD Guide)

    Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a government programme that changes the way individuals and businesses keep their records and submit tax information to HMRC. If you’re unsure how to get started, this article explains everything in simple terms. 1. How Do I Register for Making Tax Digital? To register for Making Tax Digital, you need…