Simple guides for sole traders.
Helpful advice, straightforward explanations and practical tips to make running your business easier.
Whether you’re getting ready for Making Tax Digital, trying to understand your bookkeeping or looking for answers to common questions, you’ll find them here.
What Records Do I Need to Keep as a Sole Trader?
Keeping the right business records makes bookkeeping, Self Assessment and MTD easier. Find out what sole traders should keep, how long records need to be stored and how to make staying organised simpler.
How Much Tax Should I Put Aside as a Sole Trader?
Not sure how much money to put aside for tax? We explain a useful starting point for sole traders, why your tax bill can include more than Income Tax, and how saving regularly can make Self Assessment easier to manage.
What Expenses Can a Sole Trader Claim?
What counts as a business expense when you’re a sole trader? This Brease guide explains common allowable expenses, what you can’t normally claim and why keeping accurate expense records can make managing your accounts much easier.
Do I Need a Business Bank Account as a Sole Trader?
Do you need a separate bank account when you become a sole trader? We explain the rules, why separating business and personal transactions can make bookkeeping easier, and what to consider when choosing an account.
Starting as a Sole Trader: What Do I Need to Do?
Starting your own business comes with plenty of questions. Find out what you need to do as a new sole trader, including registering with HMRC, keeping business records, preparing for tax and getting your bookkeeping organised from the beginning.
Do Sole Traders Need an Accountant?
Do sole traders need an accountant? You can manage your own accounts, but there may come a point when your time is better spent elsewhere. Find out when accounting support can help and how Brease makes it simpler.
Missed MTD? HMRC Could Sign You Up From September
HMRC plans to start automatically signing up some sole traders who should already be using Making Tax Digital. Find out what this means, what you need to check and how Brease can help get your bookkeeping MTD ready.
What Happens After Your Quarterly Update?
Your MTD quarterly update has been submitted, but what happens next? Find out what you need to keep doing, when your next update is due and how your year-end tax return fits into the new MTD process.
Why Monthly Bookkeeping Matters
Keeping your bookkeeping up to date every month makes Making Tax Digital much easier while giving you a clearer picture of your business. Discover why regular bookkeeping saves time, reduces stress and helps sole traders stay organised throughout the year.
The True Cost of Falling Behind on Your Bookkeeping
When bookkeeping falls behind, it affects more than your records. Discover how keeping up to date helps you understand your finances, prepare for Making Tax Digital and spend less time worrying about paperwork with support from Brease.
Can AI Replace Your Accountant?
Artificial Intelligence is changing the way sole traders manage their businesses. Discover what AI can do, where professional accounting still matters and how Brease combines smart technology with experienced support to keep your business organised and compliant.
Making Tax Digital Explained for Sole Traders (2026 Guide)
Making Tax Digital is changing the way many sole traders report their income to HMRC. This straightforward guide explains what MTD is, who needs to comply, the key dates to know and how to prepare before the new rules affect your business.