Dreading tax season?
You’re not alone!
Filing your Self-Assessment tax return as a sole trader might seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re submitting your return for the first time or looking for ways to streamline the process, getting organised can help you avoid penalties and ensure you’re not paying a penny more than you need to!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to prepare for your sole trader Self-Assessment, from registration and deadlines to expense tracking and pro tax-saving tips. Let's go!
What Is a Self-Assessment Tax Return?
If you're a sole trader, Self-Assessment is how you tell HMRC what you’ve earned and work out how much income tax and National Insurance you owe. Unlike employees, who have tax automatically deducted from their wages, you’re in charge of reporting and paying it yourself.
Earned more than £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year? That means you must submit a Self-Assessment tax return, even if you have another job. The deadline for online submissions is 31 January 2026 for the 2024/25 tax year, so don’t leave it to the last minute!
We get it, keeping track of income and expenses can feel like a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why many sole traders ditch the spreadsheets and use our free tax app to handle bookkeeping the easy way, so tax season is quick, stress-free, and totally manageable!
How to Register for Self-Assessment as a Sole Trader
Thinking about going solo? Before you can file your tax return, you need to register with HMRC. And trust us, you don’t want to leave this until the last minute!
Getting set up early means avoiding penalties and keeping everything smooth and stress-free when tax season rolls around.
Here’s what you need to do:
Sign up for Self-Assessment on GOV.UK before 5 October following the end of your first tax year.
Wait for your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) - HMRC will send this by post (so keep an eye on your mailbox!).
Create a Government Gateway account - this lets you manage everything online, from filing returns to checking payments.
Activate your account using the code HMRC sends you in the post. Once that’s done, you’re officially registered!
That’s it! Once you’re set up, you’re ready to tackle your first tax return, and if you keep your records in order, the whole process becomes way easier. Nice!
What You Need to Prepare for Your Self-Assessment
Before you dive into your tax return, save yourself a headache by gathering all your financial records in advance and being smart about your bookkeeping.
Scrambling for missing invoices or receipts at the last minute? Not fun.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Total self-employment income – Dig out invoices, bank statements, and payment records to add up everything you earned.
Business expenses – Travel, office supplies, phone bills, professional fees. Anything tax-deductible counts, so don’t miss out!
Other taxable income – If you’ve got rental income or earned interest from savings, HMRC wants to know.
National Insurance contributions (NICs) – Your NICs depend on your profits, and HMRC will calculate how much you owe.
Don’t forget your personal allowance! If you earn under £100,000, you get a tax-free £12,570, but this reduces if your income is higher.
The best way to avoid last-minute stress? Keep clear, up-to-date records all year round. A bookkeeping app like our Pie Tax app can track your income and expenses automatically, so you’re not rummaging through old receipts come January!
How to Complete Your Self-Assessment Tax Return
Filing your tax return might not be the most thrilling task, but it’s easier than you think, as long as you stay organised! Here’s how to get it done without the stress:
Log into your HMRC account – Head to the Self-Assessment section and start your return.
Enter your self-employment income – Report everything you earned during the tax year (yep, HMRC wants to know it all).
Claim your expenses – Travel, office supplies, phone bills. Deduct what you can to lower your tax bill.
Double-check your tax & NICs – HMRC will calculate how much you owe based on your profits.
Hit submit before 31 January – Late returns = instant £100 fine (and nobody wants that).
Once you’ve submitted, you’ll get a confirmation along with payment details. Your tax bill is due by 31 January, so don’t leave it to the last minute!
Keeping accurate records all year makes this process way easier!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Your Tax Return
Even experienced sole traders make mistakes on their returns! Here are the big ones to watch out for:
Missing the deadline – A £100 penalty kicks in immediately if you file late.
Not keeping receipts – No proof? No claim! Keep records of all expenses.
Forgetting extra income – HMRC wants to know about everything taxable, not just your business income.
Guessing figures – Always use accurate records, as estimating can lead to unexpected tax bills or HMRC investigations.
Mismanaging business debts – Ensure you manage your business debts properly to avoid financial pitfalls and personal liability.
Avoid these common mistakes, and your tax return will be a breeze! A little organisation now saves a lot of stress later, and keeps HMRC off your back. Win win!
Self-Assessment Tax Return Tips for Sole Traders
Want to make tax season a whole lot easier? Follow these golden rules and save yourself the stress!
Track expenses all year – Don’t wait until January to dig through old receipts! Use a spreadsheet or bookkeeping app to stay organised.
Set aside tax money – No one likes a surprise tax bill. Put a percentage of your income into a separate account so you’re always prepared.
Claim your tax-deductible expenses – Office supplies, travel, phone bills: don’t leave money on the table! Make sure you know what you can claim.
Understand your tax obligations – As a sole trader, you pay income tax and National Insurance on your taxable profits, so factor that in when setting your prices.
Submit early – Avoid the last-minute rush! The earlier you file, the less stress (and potential errors) you’ll have.
Want to stay on HMRC’s good side? Check out their official guide on Self-Assessment tax returns for full details on what records to keep and how to stay compliant.
Final Thoughts
Filing a Self-Assessment tax return as a sole trader might sound like a headache, but trust us, it doesn’t have to be! With good record-keeping and the right tools, it can be way less stressful than you think.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been self-employed for years, staying organised is key. Tax time gets a whole lot easier when you keep track of your income and expenses throughout the year instead of scrambling last minute.
If you want to ditch the stress, our free Pie Tax app is designed just for sole traders! It tracks your income and expenses automatically, making tax time a breeze.
So, stay ahead of deadlines, avoid those dreaded penalties, and get back to what you do best: running your business!
