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Plain English.
No jargon.

Tax tips, MTD explainers, and honest business advice for sole traders — written the way I'd explain it over a cup of tea.

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Tax Tips

Is it accrual world, or is cash king?

Choosing between cash and accrual accounting affects how you track income and expenses — and how you report to HMRC. Here's what you need to know.

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Tax Tips

HMRC is going to tax me on the money I make from selling bits & bobs on Vinted & eBay.

Are they really? The answer for most people is going to be no — but let's look at exactly who this does and doesn't apply to.

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Self Assessment

Don't leave it till the last minute

The self-assessment deadline of 31st January is fast approaching. Here's why getting ahead of it will save you stress — and possibly money.

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Tax Tips

Gifting Brilliance: Allowable Business Gifts for £50 or Less

HMRC allows for a bit of festive generosity. Here's how sole traders can give thoughtful, branded gifts that are fully allowable as a business expense.

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Tax Tips

Charity donations when you are self employed

There's a way to make a positive impact while enjoying significant tax benefits. Here's how Gift Aid and charitable giving works for sole traders.

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Tax Tips

Child benefit — do I have to pay any back?

What is the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge, and does it apply to you? If you earn over a certain threshold, the answer might surprise you.

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Business Advice

Email — The overwhelming productivity killer

Remember when email was new and we thought it would make life easier? It did, to a point. Here's how to stop it running your working day.

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Business Advice

Cash flow forecasting isn't just for big businesses

Nobody wants their business to fail. A cash flow forecast is a tool that helps you prepare for different scenarios — and it's simpler than you think.

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Business Advice

5 things you don't need to spend on

Everybody will try to sell you something essential for your success. Here are five things sole traders genuinely don't need to spend money on.

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Business Advice

Profit and what?

What is a profit & loss report, why do you need one, and what does it actually tell you about your business? A plain-English explainer.

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Business Advice

Still Doing Your Own Payroll? Here's 3 Reasons Why You Should Stop

You have the best intentions to keep your staff paid right and on time. But there are good reasons why doing your own payroll is riskier than it looks.

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Business Advice

How to start a business on a limited budget

A growing number of entrepreneurs are using creative thinking and shrewd planning to get businesses off the ground with the smallest budgets.

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Business Advice

The Most Dangerous Accounting Mistakes for Your Small Business

Good accounting is crucial to the financial health of your business. Here are the mistakes to avoid — especially in the early days.

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Business Advice

What to include on my invoice?

Your invoice is key to getting paid promptly. There are things you must include — and other things that make a real difference to your cash flow.

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Business Advice

5 things you don't need when starting out

Starting a new business is exciting and everything feels shiny. But some things can wait. Here's what you genuinely don't need on day one.

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Business Advice

Don't use your business like a piggy bank

It's easy to blur the lines between business and personal money. But getting into the right mindset early will pay dividends — literally.

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Business Advice

Understanding the jargon — 6 key accounting phrases

Outsourcing your accounts is a great idea, but you still need to understand the reports. Here are 6 essential accounting terms in plain English.

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