Accountants for Sole Traders
Business records, Self Assessment and digital reporting, explained.
We manage business records, Self Assessment and relevant digital reporting, helping you understand your tax position and obligations. If you trade in your own name, we keep the books in order, prepare your return and explain what is due and when.
Based in Greater Manchester, supporting clients across the UK.
At a glance
- Who it is for
- Sole traders, from tradespeople and freelancers to consultants and shop owners
- What we prepare
- Your business records, accounts figures and Self Assessment return
- Digital reporting
- Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and VAT where they apply
- What we explain
- Your tax position, payment dates and allowable expenses
- Growing further
- Advice on when a limited company may suit you better
How we support sole traders
Records and bookkeeping
We keep your income and expense records organised and reconciled. See Bookkeeping & Cloud Accounting.
Self Assessment
We prepare your return and explain the tax and payment dates. See Self Assessment & Personal Tax.
VAT and digital reporting
We handle VAT where you are registered, and Making Tax Digital where it applies. See VAT & Making Tax Digital.
What a sole trader accountant does
A sole trader is one person trading in their own name, so the accounts, the tax return and the tax bill all sit with that person. We work out your business income and expenses, prepare your Self Assessment return, explain the tax calculation, and file after you approve it. We also tell you what to set aside, so tax payments do not surprise you.
We suit tradespeople, freelancers, consultants, and owners of small shops and service businesses. We also work with sole traders who are growing and want to understand whether a limited company would suit them.
Sole trader records and allowable expenses
GOV.UK says self-employed people must keep records of business income and expenses for their Self Assessment return, and that allowable expenses are deducted from turnover to work out taxable profit before Income Tax. Money taken from the business for personal use is not an allowable expense. We help you set up a simple system for the records, and check which costs qualify.
Sources: GOV.UK, Business records if you’re self-employed and Expenses if you’re self-employed, checked 11 November 2026.
Key sole trader dates
Dates checked against GOV.UK on 11 November 2026.
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Tell HMRC you need to complete a return, if you have not filed before | 5 October after the end of the tax year |
| Online tax return and the tax you owe | 31 January after the end of the tax year |
The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. Late filing and late payment can lead to penalties. The full set of dates, including paper returns, is on our Self Assessment & Personal Tax page. Source: GOV.UK, Self Assessment tax returns: deadlines.
Sole trader or limited company?
GOV.UK describes a sole trader as the simplest structure to set up and keep records for, and a limited company as legally separate from its owners, with extra responsibilities. You can move from one structure to the other, and it is usually easier to move from sole trader to limited company. The right time depends on your profits, plans and risk. We explain the practical differences and the filings involved, and we do not promise savings. If you decide to change, our annual accounts and corporation tax service covers the company side.
How we work with you
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Review your recordsWe look at how you record income and expenses today.
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Set up a simple systemWe agree what to keep and how to share it with us.
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PrepareWe prepare your accounts figures and Self Assessment return.
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Explain and approveWe explain the result and file after you approve it.
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Look aheadWe confirm payment dates and, where it applies, Making Tax Digital requirements.
What affects the fee for sole traders
We do not publish fixed prices. The fee depends on your number of income sources and transactions, whether you are VAT registered, the state of your records, and how much support you want. We agree the scope and fee in writing before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to common questions about this service.
Do I need an accountant as a sole trader?
No law requires one. You must still keep records, register for Self Assessment where required, and file and pay on time. Many sole traders use an accountant to save time and avoid mistakes.
Can you help if I have not registered for Self Assessment?
Yes. We check whether you need to register, and tell HMRC by the deadline, so your return and payment dates are clear.
Can you help with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?
Yes. We assess whether the rules apply to you and set up digital records and reporting support where they do.
Becoming a Client
Contact us to discuss your business records, your Self Assessment return and the support you need as a sole trader.
We agree the scope and fees in writing before work begins. Any additional work and costs are agreed with you in advance.