UK freelancing,
explained plainly.
Guides written for freelancers, not accountants. No jargon, no upsell, just the stuff you need to invoice correctly and keep HMRC happy.
How to Set Up as a Sole Trader
Step-by-step guide to registering with HMRC, what taxes you'll pay, whether you need a business bank account, and how to send your first invoice.
Read guideHow to Invoice in the UK
Every field HMRC requires, how to number invoices, setting payment terms, and what to do when a client doesn't pay.
Read guideChasing Late Invoices
Four email templates for chasing overdue invoices, from friendly reminder to statutory interest notice, plus your legal options when a client still won't pay.
Read guideHow to Set Your Freelance Day Rate
A formula-based approach to pricing your time: salary replacement, non-billable days, overhead margin and market positioning, with example calculations.
Read guideVAT for UK Freelancers
When you must register, when it's worth registering early, the difference between standard and flat-rate schemes, and how to add VAT to invoices correctly.
Read guideSelf Assessment for Freelancers
Key deadlines, which expenses you can actually claim, how to avoid a penalty, and what Making Tax Digital means for sole traders.
Read guideIR35 Explained
What IR35 is, how the employment status tests work, who determines your status on each contract, and what it means for your tax if you fall inside.
Read guideSole Trader vs Limited Company
A straight comparison of tax, admin, liability and credibility at different income levels, so you can decide when (or whether) to incorporate.
Read guideBusiness Bank Accounts for UK Freelancers
Whether you need one, what to look for, and a rundown of digital-first and traditional bank options for UK sole traders.
Read guideWhat Expenses Can I Claim as a UK Freelancer?
Every allowable expense category for sole traders, home office costs, equipment, travel, training, professional fees and what you cannot claim.
Read guideCan I Invoice Without a Company?
Yes, here is exactly how. Most UK freelancers invoice as sole traders without a limited company. What you need, what to put on the invoice, and when a company makes sense.
Read guideInvoice vs Receipt: What's the Difference?
An invoice requests payment before it is made. A receipt confirms it after. Clear explanation of both, when to use each, and what HMRC expects.
Read guideInvoice vs Quote: What's the Difference?
A quote sets your price before work begins. An invoice collects payment after. Covers estimates vs quotes, whether quotes are legally binding, and what to include in each.
Read guideDo I Need an Accountant as a Sole Trader?
An honest look at whether UK freelancers need to hire an accountant, what they do, when the cost is worth it, and what alternatives exist if your finances are simple.
Read guideInvoice Payment Terms
Net 30, Net 14, due on receipt, what the common payment terms mean, what to write on your invoice, how to charge statutory interest, and practical tips for getting paid faster.
Read guideHow to Send an Invoice by Email
Subject lines that get noticed, what to write in the email body, how to attach a PDF correctly, and a simple follow-up schedule to recover late payments.
Read guideLate Payment Legislation UK
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act gives you the right to charge 8% above the Bank of England base rate on overdue invoices, plus fixed compensation. Here is how to use it.
Read guideFreelance Contracts UK
Essential clauses every freelance contract should include, scope, IP ownership, payment terms, kill fees, and what your rights are if you start work without a written agreement.
Read guideSelf-Employed vs Sole Trader: What's the Difference?
Most UK freelancers are both self-employed and sole traders, but the terms mean different things. Clear explanation of each, how they overlap, and when the distinction actually matters.
Read guideFlat Rate VAT vs Standard VAT for Freelancers
Flat rate scheme sounds simple, but most freelancers pay more tax under it than they realise. A worked example comparing both schemes, sector rates table, and the limited cost trader trap.
Read guideAccountant vs Bookkeeper: Which Do You Need?
Bookkeepers record transactions, accountants analyse them and file your returns. An honest look at what each does, typical costs, and whether a sole trader actually needs either.
Read guideReady to send your first invoice?
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