Blog
Tax tips, guides, and Making Tax Digital news for UK sole traders — from the team at Bart.
The 5 August MTD deadline is coming: here's what you need to do now
Quarter 1 started on 6 April and ends on 5 July. Your first MTD quarterly submission is due 5 August. Here's exactly what to submit and how to get sorted before the deadline.
Read article →Working from home as a sole trader: what you can claim
If you run your business from home — even part of the time — you may be able to claim a proportion of your household costs against tax. Here's how the flat rate and actual costs methods work.
Read article →What is the MTD Final Declaration — and how is it different from Self Assessment?
The Final Declaration replaces your annual tax return under MTD. Here's what it includes, when it's due, and how it differs from the Self Assessment return you're used to filing.
Read article →Mileage expenses for sole traders: what you can claim and how to record it
Use your own vehicle for business? HMRC's approved mileage rates let you claim 45p per mile without keeping fuel receipts. Here's what counts as a business journey and how to log it digitally.
Read article →Is open banking safe? What sole traders need to know
When MTD software asks to connect your bank, it's natural to hesitate. Here's how open banking actually works, what an app can and can't see, and why it's FCA regulated.
Read article →MTD penalty points explained: how HMRC's new system works
HMRC replaced fixed fines with a points-based penalty system. Here's how points accumulate, when the £200 fines kick in, and how to get your record reset.
Read article →Your first MTD quarter is already running — here's what to do now
Quarter 1 started on 6 April and your first deadline is 5 August. Here's exactly what records to keep, what you need to file, and how to get sorted before the deadline.
Read article →End of tax year checklist for sole traders
5 April is the last day of the 2025/26 tax year. Here's everything to check, claim, and tidy up before the new year starts tomorrow.
Read article →MTD for Income Tax: key dates and deadlines in 2026
All the MTD deadlines you need to know — quarterly submissions, Final Declaration, payment dates, and what happens if you miss one.
Read article →New tax year 2026/27: what changes for sole traders?
MTD goes live, a new penalty system kicks in, and sole traders over £50,000 must change how they file. Here's everything that's different from 6 April 2026.
Read article →The best apps for self-employed tax in the UK (2026)
From April 2026, sole traders must use HMRC-recognised software. We compare the best MTD options so you can choose the right one for your business.
Read article →How to keep digital records for HMRC (and what counts)
Under MTD, keeping digital records isn't optional — it's the law. Find out what qualifies, what software you need, and what happens if you get it wrong.
Read article →Self-assessment vs MTD for Income Tax: what's the difference?
Self Assessment is being replaced by Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Here's what's actually different — and whether you still need to file a tax return.
Read article →MTD quarterly updates explained: what sole traders need to submit
From April 2026, sole traders in scope for MTD must submit four quarterly updates to HMRC each year. Here's what that means and when the deadlines are.
Read article →How to register as self-employed with HMRC (step by step)
If you've started earning money for yourself, you need to tell HMRC. Here's exactly how to register, what you'll need, and what to expect.
Read article →The complete sole trader expenses guide for 2025/26
A complete guide to allowable expenses for UK sole traders. Find out what you can claim to reduce your tax bill — from home office costs to travel and equipment.
Read article →What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax — and does it affect you?
HMRC is overhauling the way self-employed people report their income. If you're a sole trader, MTD for Income Tax is coming — and it starts this April.
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