So, lets break this down...
Ever wondered how much sole trader tax you'll pay in the UK?
Unlike employees who have tax automatically deducted through PAYE, being self-employed means handling it all yourself: income tax, National Insurance Contributions (NICs), and expenses. It might sound complicated, but once you know the rules, it’s easier than you think.
This guide breaks it all down for you. Discover how much tax you’ll owe, what expenses you can claim, key deadlines to avoid penalties and smart ways to save money.
Let’s make tax season as painless as possible!
What Is a Sole Trader in the UK?
So, you’re thinking about becoming a sole trader? Great choice! It’s the simplest way to run a business in the UK.
A sole trader is basically someone who is self-employed and runs their business as an individual rather than through a limited company. There’s no legal separation between you and your business, which means you get to keep all the profits, but it also means you’re personally responsible for any debts.
Unlike a limited company, a sole trader doesn’t have to worry about corporation tax or complex filings. Instead, tax is handled through a self-assessment tax return, where you pay income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on your self-employed income.
Legally, a sole trader must register with HMRC, keep accurate financial records, and ensure tax and National Insurance are paid on time. Keeping track of allowable business expenses is also key to reducing your tax bill and keeping more of your hard-earned money!
How Much Tax Do I Pay as a Sole Trader?
If you’re a sole trader, you don’t have an employer sorting out your tax and National Insurance for you, it’s all on you! That means you need to calculate your taxable income, work out how much tax you owe, and make sure it gets paid to HMRC on time.
The amount of tax you pay depends on your total earnings minus any allowable business expenses (so keeping track of those is a must!)
Here’s a quick breakdown of the 2025 tax bands for sole traders:
Up to £12,570 – No tax at all! This is your Personal Allowance
£12,571 to £50,270 – 20% tax (Basic Rate)
£50,271 to £125,140 – 40% tax (Higher Rate)
Over £125,140 – 45% tax (Additional Rate)
It’s always a good idea to set aside 20-30% of your income throughout the year, so you’re not left scrambling when the tax bill comes around in January. And if you need a little help to make tax season a breeze, check out our free Pie Tax app!
National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for Sole Traders
Paying income tax is only half the story!
If you’re a sole trader, you also need to pay National Insurance Contributions (NICs). These aren’t just another tax, they help build up your state pension, contribute to the NHS, and fund other public services.
So while it might sting to pay them, at least you’re getting something back!
For the 2025 tax year, here’s how NICs work for sole traders:
Class 2 NICs – £3.45 per week if your annual profits are over £12,570
Class 4 NICs – 9% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% on anything above £50,270
Let’s say you bring in £30,000 in self-employed income. Your NICs bill for the year would be around £1,573, which might not sound fun, but it’s an important contribution towards your state pension.
The key takeaway? Budget for NICs just like you would for income tax, so you’re not caught off guard when the bill comes due!
Allowable Expenses – How to Reduce Your Tax Bill
Nobody wants to pay more tax than they have to!
Allowable business expenses help reduce your taxable income, meaning you only pay tax on actual profits. Keeping receipts and tracking business expenses properly can make a big difference to your tax bill.
Here are some common tax-deductible expenses for sole traders:
Office costs – Rent, electricity, software subscriptions
Travel expenses – Fuel, train tickets, mileage
Marketing & advertising – Website costs, social media ads
Professional fees – Accountants, solicitors
Home office expenses – A portion of rent, heating, broadband
For example, if your self-employed income is £40,000 and you have £5,000 in allowable expenses, you’ll only pay tax on £35,000. Tracking every business-related cost helps reduce your tax bill, so don’t ignore those small expenses, they add up!
VAT for Sole Traders – Do You Need to Register?
VAT isn’t something all sole traders need to worry about, but if your business turnover exceeds £85,000, VAT registration is required. This means charging VAT on sales and submitting VAT returns to HMRC.
There are two ways to handle VAT:
Standard VAT scheme – Charge VAT at 20% and reclaim VAT on purchases
Flat Rate Scheme – Pay a lower fixed percentage but can’t reclaim VAT on most expenses
If your business makes less than £85,000, VAT is optional, but some sole traders register voluntarily to appear more established or to reclaim VAT on purchases.
If VAT applies, pricing strategies may need adjusting!
How and When to Pay Your Sole Trader Tax
Sorting out your sole trader tax might not be the most exciting part of running a business, but it’s got to be done!
Every year, you need to file a self-assessment tax return, where you report your self-employed income, any business expenses, and other earnings. This helps HMRC work out how much income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) you owe.
Key Deadlines You Need to Know:
Register as a sole trader – By 5 October (if this is your first year)
Submit online tax return – By 31 January
Pay tax owed – By 31 January (and possibly another payment on 31 July)
Missing these deadlines? Not a good idea! HMRC isn’t shy about charging penalties and interest if you’re late. The best way to stay on top of it is to set reminders and use a business account to keep tax money separate.
If you ever struggle to pay, HMRC does offer instalment plans, so it’s worth checking their site before panicking!
Tax-Saving Tips for Sole Traders
Nobody enjoys paying tax, but with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be a headache! A few smart habits can help reduce your tax bill, avoid last-minute stress, and even free up more cash for your business. Here's a few tips:
Set aside tax money regularly – Aim for 20-30% of your profits, so you’re not left scrambling when the bill is due
Use accounting software – Tracking income and expenses makes tax time way easier
Claim all eligible deductions – Every business expense you claim lowers your taxable income
Consider voluntary NI contributions – Helps boost your state pension and other future benefits
Check for tax reliefs – Some small businesses qualify for extra deductions, so always check what you’re eligible for
Many sole traders also use an accountant, which might seem like an extra cost but often saves you more in tax than it costs to hire them.
But if you want a simple and stress-free way to manage your tax, try Pie Tax! Our free tax app helps you track expenses, calculate your tax bill, and file your self-assessment, without the hassle.
FAQs – Common Questions About Sole Trader Tax
Got questions about sole trader tax? You’re not alone! Many self-employed people wonder how much to set aside for tax, what happens if they miss a deadline, and whether they really need an accountant. Here are some of the most common questions answered.
How much should I set aside for tax?
A good rule is to save 20-30% of your self-employed income. This covers income tax, National Insurance Contributions (NICs), and any other tax liabilities.Can I pay my tax bill in instalments?
Yes! If you can’t pay your self-assessment tax bill in full, HMRC’s Time to Pay service allows spreading payments over several months.What happens if I don’t pay my tax on time?
Late payments lead to penalties and interest charges. Missing the 31 January deadline results in an automatic £100 fine, plus further charges for longer delays.Do I need an accountant to file my tax return?
Not necessarily, but it helps! An accountant can maximise tax reliefs and ensure tax payments are accurate, avoiding costly mistakes.
For more helpful tips and advice, be sure to check out the Gov website!
Final Thoughts
Sorting out your sole trader tax might not be the most exciting part of running a business, but staying organised means less stress and more savings. Keeping track of income, expenses, and deadlines is the best way to avoid last-minute tax panic, and making sure you’re not paying more than you need to.
If tax season makes your head spin, why not let Pie Tax do the heavy lifting? Our free tax app makes it easy to track business expenses, calculate your tax bill, and file your self-assessment without the hassle. No spreadsheets, no stress! Just simple tax management, all in one place.
Take the guesswork out of your sole trader tax so you have more time for business, less time worrying about HMRC!
