Tax & Compliance
UK tax guides for self-employed tradespeople — VAT, CIS, self-assessment, and HMRC compliance.
How long to keep invoices UK (2026): sole trader, CIS and VAT records
How long UK trades should keep invoices and records - sole trader vs limited company, VAT £90k, CIS packs, plus a simple year-folder example.
How to register as self-employed in the UK: step-by-step for tradespeople
A no-nonsense guide to registering as self-employed in the UK. Covers HMRC registration, deadlines, National Insurance, tax allowances, and what records to keep from day one.
Allowable expenses for self-employed UK: the complete 2026 list
Every expense you can claim as a self-employed person in the UK, with exact figures for mileage, working from home, tools, clothing, and more. Includes the expenses HMRC will reject and how long to keep records.
Gross CIS payment status: how to stop tax deductions from your invoices
Under CIS, most subcontractors have 20% tax deducted from every invoice. Gross payment status lets you receive payments in full. Here is how to apply, what you need to qualify, and what to watch out for.
Flat rate VAT scheme for tradespeople: is it worth it?
A practical guide to the Flat Rate VAT Scheme for UK tradespeople. Find out if it saves you money, which trades qualify, and how to join.
How to keep expenses as a sole trader: a simple system that works
Good expense records save you money and keep HMRC happy. This guide shows sole traders how to track business expenses simply and effectively in 2026, with or without a spreadsheet.
Allowable expenses for UK gas engineers (2026): Gas Safe, mileage and Class 4 NI
UK gas engineer allowable expenses for 2026/27: wholly and exclusively, Gas Safe (not NICEIC), 55p/25p mileage, Personal Allowance £12,570, Class 4 NI at 6%/2%, 5-year records, VAT £90,000. InvoiceAdept does not file Self Assessment.
Sole trader simplified expenses: when they save you money
CIS vs PAYE UK (2026): employment status, 20%/30% deductions and payroll
CIS vs PAYE is status first, not a tax menu. Contractor withholds 20%/30%. VAT £90,000. InvoiceAdept does not file CIS300 or run PAYE.
Payment on Account for UK Self-Employed Explained
Discover what payment on account means for UK self-employed individuals in 2026. Avoid pitfalls.
When to Register for VAT as a UK Plumber
Discover when a UK plumber should register for VAT in 2026, ensuring compliance and maximising your financial efficiency.
Tradesperson Tax Return Guide UK 2026
Discover the essential steps for UK tradespeople filing their 2026 tax returns. Avoid common mistakes and stay compliant.
VAT Domestic Reverse Charge for Builders: Invoicing Guide
The VAT domestic reverse charge for construction: when it applies, who invoices what, and how to keep your invoices compliant.
Self-Employed Mileage Allowance 2026: Rates for Tradespeople
HMRC's 2026 mileage rates for self-employed tradespeople: 45p first 10,000 miles, 25p after — and what counts as a business mile when you work on site.
CIS monthly returns UK (2026): CIS300, deadlines, verification and deductions
Contractor CIS300 guide for 2026: you deduct 20%/30%/0% from labour (HMRC does not), file by the 19th, verify first, materials evidenced. InvoiceAdept does not file CIS300.
CIS vs PAYE UK: see the 2026 guide
This CIS vs PAYE page is consolidated into the 2026 UK guide. Status first, then CIS 20%/30% or PAYE — not a second long article.
Sole Trader vs Limited Company UK: A Tradesperson's Guide
Deciding between sole trader and limited company? Discover key differences, benefits, and pitfalls for UK tradespeople in 2026.
Employment Rights Bill 2026: changes for trade employers
The Employment Rights Bill 2026 brings significant changes for UK tradespeople employing staff, shifting employment law substantially.
Dividend tax rise 2026: sole trader vs limited company
Explore the implications of the 2026 dividend tax rise for UK tradespeople comparing sole trader and limited company structures.
Building Safety Levy 2026: a tradesperson's quick guide
The Building Safety Levy 2026 obliges developers to pay for new residential projects, indirectly affecting tradespeople’s margins and project timelines.
Employer NI rise 2025: what it means for tradespeople
Learn about the employer National Insurance rise in 2025, its cost impact on tradespeople, and strategies for managing increased expenses.
Tax-efficient ways to buy a van as a sole trader in the UK
Domestic reverse charge VAT for construction: what UK tradespeople need to know
Working from Home Expenses for Self-Employed: What You Can Claim in 2026
Explore the 2026 guidelines for claiming working from home expenses as a self-employed individual in the UK. Learn what you can deduct to optimize your tax returns.
Cash Basis Accounting for Sole Traders: A Simple UK Guide
Discover the essentials of cash basis accounting for sole traders in the UK. This guide simplifies your accounting process, making it easier to manage your finances effectively.
How to get Gas Safe registered UK
Gas Safe registration is a legal requirement for anyone working on gas appliances in the UK. This guide explains exactly how to get Gas Safe registered in 2026, including the qualifications you need, the application process, and how much it costs.
Construction industry scheme CIS guide UK 2026
Understand the construction industry scheme (CIS) in the UK for 2026 with practical tips, HMRC guidance, and real money examples.
How to submit a VAT return online: step-by-step guide for 2026
A plain-English walkthrough of how to submit your VAT return online via HMRC in 2026, including MTD requirements, the nine VAT boxes, payment deadlines and common mistakes.
HMRC record keeping for the self-employed: what to keep and for how long
HMRC can fine you up to £3,000 for poor record keeping. Here is exactly what records a self-employed tradesperson must keep, for how long, and the simplest way to stay compliant.
Capital allowances for tools and equipment: what tradespeople can claim
Bought a new van, tools or equipment for your trade? Capital allowances let you deduct the cost from your taxable profit. Here is how the Annual Investment Allowance, writing-down allowances and the 2026 changes work.
IR35 explained: what self-employed contractors need to know in 2026
IR35 could mean paying thousands more in tax if your contract is caught. This plain-English guide explains how the rules work, what the three key tests are, and how to protect yourself.
UK tax deadlines for the self-employed: your 2026 and 2027 calendar
Miss a self-assessment deadline and HMRC will fine you — even if you owe nothing. Here are all the key UK tax dates for 2026 and 2027 that self-employed tradespeople need in their diary.
When to register for VAT UK (2026): £90,000 threshold for trades
When to register for VAT UK (2026): £90k threshold for trades, historic vs 30-day tests, voluntary registration and MTD.
How to claim mileage as a tradesperson in the UK
HMRC lets you claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25p after that. Here is how to track and claim mileage correctly as a self-employed tradesperson.
National Insurance for self-employed tradespeople in 2026
Class 2 NI was scrapped in April 2024. Here is what self-employed tradespeople pay in 2025/26, how to calculate it, and what counts towards your state pension.
VAT Registration for UK Tradespeople: When, Why, and How
Everything UK tradespeople need to know about VAT registration — the threshold, voluntary registration, flat rate scheme, and how to handle VAT on invoices.
Self-Assessment Tax for UK Tradespeople: What You Need to Know
A plain-English guide to self-assessment tax for UK tradespeople — income tax bands, National Insurance, allowable expenses, and key deadlines.
CIS Explained: What Every UK Subcontractor Needs to Know
A clear guide to the Construction Industry Scheme — registration, deduction rates, invoicing, and how to claim back overpaid CIS deductions.