01/04/2026
Tax Tips for Business Owners & the Self-Employed
1. Deadlines
Know your deadlines, add them to your calendar, and make sure theyâre met on time.
If youâre self-employed and not registered for Making Tax Digital (MTD), your deadline is 31st January. If you are registered for MTD, you must file quarterly returns one month and 7 days after the end of each reporting period.
Donât get caught out â over 1 million people missed the January 2026 deadline, resulting in over ÂŁ100 million in late filing penalties.
2. Track Your Finances
Understanding your numbers is key to running a successful business. You should know how much profit youâre making and how well youâre managing your costs.
Without this information, you risk miscalculating your tax, missing VAT or MTD registration requirements, and failing to spot poor business performance.
Remember, VAT is based on a rolling 12-month period, and if your turnover exceeds ÂŁ90,000, you must register. Keep accurate records and consider using software like Xero to stay organised.
3. Consider SIPPs
Paying into a pension isnât just about retirement â it can also be tax-efficient.
If youâre a higher-rate taxpayer, you receive a 20% top-up to your pension contributions and may also claim an additional 20% tax relief. A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) can be a powerful tool for long-term tax planning.
4. Limited Companies
If youâre a sole trader or starting a new business, you might be wondering whether to set up a limited company.
While there are benefits, itâs not always the right choice. In many cases, the decision comes down to protecting your personal assets through limited liability or improving tax efficiency if youâre entering higher tax bands. Every situation is different, so professional advice is key.
5. Side Hustles
Donât assume small income means no tax obligations. If your side hustle generates turnover greater than ÂŁ1,000 in a tax year, you must register for Self Assessment with HMRC.
This applies to income from selling on platforms like eBay, Vinted, or Facebook, as well as food delivery work or car boot sales. For relatively small profits, itâs simply not worth the risk of fines and penalties.
Need Advice?
Looking to move your business forward or get clarity on your tax position?
đ 07788 411212
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Wrights Accountancy Services NE
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