Handling your own tax returns in the era of MTD (a helpful guide for UK sole traders)

If your income from self-employment (and any rental income too) is more than £50k, it’s highly likely that, as of April 2026, you’ll be included in the latest HMRC programme, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT or just MTD).

For UK sole traders, this marks a significant change in how tax records are kept and submitted.

Moreover, even if your self-employment/rental income is under £50k the thresholds are going to fall over the next couple of years (to just £20k by 2028) so it’s worth getting prepared.

Handling your own tax returns in the era of MTD (a guide for UK sole traders)

If your income from self-employment (and any rental income too) is more than £50k, it’s highly likely that, as of April 2026, you’ll be included in the latest HMRC programme, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT or just MTD).

For UK sole traders, this marks a significant change in how tax records are kept and submitted.

Moreover, even if your self-employment/rental income is under £50k the thresholds are going to...

Handling your own tax returns in the era of MTD (a guide for UK sole traders)

If your income from self-employment (and any rental income too) is more than £50k, it’s highly likely that, as of April 2026, you’ll be included in the latest HMRC programme, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT or just MTD).

For UK sole traders, this marks a significant change in how tax records are kept and submitted.

Moreover, even if your self-employment/rental income is under £50k the thresholds are going to fall over the next couple of years (to just £20k by 2028) so it’s worth getting prepared.

So, if you’re one of the 215,000 ‘un-represented’ taxpayers (those who file their own Self Assessment Tax Return) included in the 2026 intake, you do need to take notice.

When your accountancy software is axed, what should you do?

If you’re using BTC (Bright Software), PTP or Keytime (both IRIS products), you’ve probably felt that sinking feeling lately as you realise the software you’ve relied on for years is being pulled from under you.

Here’s the blunt truth: vendors don’t retire products because they love you - they retire them because they want you on a different platform. And that often means you get told to learn a completely new system at the busiest time of the year.

Essential business expenses to include on your self assessment tax return

If you’re completing your Self Assessment tax return yourself, one of the most valuable things you can do is make sure you’re claiming all the business expenses you’re entitled to. These legitimate costs can reduce your taxable profit and, therefore, the amount of tax you’ll pay.

Self Assessment myths debunked: what’s true and what isn’t in 2025

If you’re completing your Self Assessment tax return yourself, it can be difficult to know what’s accurate and what’s just hearsay. Friends, social media, forums and even “well-meaning” advice can easily lead to confusion and, in some cases, unintentional mistakes.

Your Self Assessment Survival Guide: 12 common mistakes to avoid in 2025

Completing your own Self Assessment tax return is absolutely doable but, without the help of an accountant, it’s easy to fall into traps that could cost you time, money or even trigger unwanted attention from HMRC.

Whether you’re a freelancer, landlord, side hustler or someone with additional income or gains outside of PAYE, here are 12 of the most common mistakes people make when filing their Self Assessment tax return and how you can avoid them in 2025.

The 10 essentials to complete your Self-Assessment tax return for 2024/25

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION YOU’LL NEED TO COMPLETE YOUR SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURN

Completing a Self Assessment tax return is much easier when you have all the right information to hand before you start. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, a landlord, investor or someone with multiple income sources, gathering your documentation early can help you avoid mistakes, reduce last-minute stress and ensure you don’t miss anything important.