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At £90,000, the UK's VAT threshold is one of the highest in the world — but for sole traders who do approach it, the rules deserve a clear, complete explanation. This guide covers everything from the rolling 12-month test and how to register, through to choosing the right VAT scheme, reclaiming pre-registration expenses, and the genuine risks of registering late. It also tackles a common point of confusion: VAT is based on turnover, not profit. Read on to see exactly where you stand.

HMRC's mileage rate has just risen for the first time since 2011 — a change worth understanding properly if you drive for business. This guide breaks down the two claiming methods, the full current rates, and exactly what counts as genuine business mileage versus ordinary commuting. It also covers what you can claim on top of mileage, including a Kent-specific detail: Dartford Crossing tolls. Read on to make sure your claim is set up correctly.

This is the year Making Tax Digital for Income Tax became mandatory for sole traders earning over £50,000 — the biggest change to self-employed tax reporting in a generation. This guide breaks down exactly what that means, alongside the current tax bands, National Insurance rates, and the Payments on Account bill that catches nearly every first-year sole trader off guard, all with worked examples. It also flags the common mistakes and deadlines worth knowing for this specific tax year. Read on to see exactly where you stand.

Most people assume an accountant just files a tax return once a year — but that's only a small slice of the job. This post walks through everything else that goes on behind the scenes, from bookkeeping and payroll to tax planning, VAT scheme reviews, and guiding business decisions, using real examples from clients across Kent. It also looks at why this support matters even more for small businesses than large ones.