Digital Sole Trader Accountants in London
That Work as Hard as You Do

Digital accountants for UK sole traders and freelancers.
Self-assessment, allowable expenses, National Insurance, and tax efficiency.

Who This Service Is For

This service is for UK sole traders and freelancers in any sector. This includes tradespeople, consultants, designers, writers, healthcare workers, personal trainers, market traders, and anyone else running a self-employed business under their own name. We also advise sole traders who are considering whether to incorporate as a limited company.

What's Included with Our Digital Sole Trader Accounting Service?

Annual self assessment (SA100 + SA103) preparation and filing

Allowable expense review for maximising legitimate deductions for your trade

National Insurance (Class 2 and Class 4) calculation and advice

VAT advice on whether to register, and which scheme is most beneficial

Cash basis vs accruals accounting recommendation

MTD for Income Tax setup (mandatory if you earn over £50,000 from April 2026)

Digital record-keeping with a simple cloud-based system set up for you

Payment on account advice and planning

Annual tax planning review 

Advice on when (and whether) to incorporate as a limited company

Why Choose TDA

Every expense claimed

We know the allowable expenses for your specific trade — whether you are a tradesperson, creative, or consultant. Most sole trader clients save more in tax than they pay in accountancy fees.

National Insurance managed

Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance are both calculated as part of your self-assessment. We ensure you pay the right amount — and flag if voluntary contributions to protect your State Pension entitlement are advisable.

Simple record-keeping

We set you up with a simple, mobile-friendly system for tracking income and expenses. No complicated software, no spreadsheets.

Honest advice on incorporating

If the time is right to move from sole trader to limited company, we will tell you and explain the tax and administrative implications clearly. If the timing isn’t right, we tell you that too.

Fixed fee, no surprises

You know your accounting cost in advance. No hourly billing, no minimum charges for quick questions.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about switching to a modern digital accountant.
Do I need an accountant as a sole trader?

You are not legally required to use an accountant as a sole trader. But the cost of getting your self-assessment wrong or missing allowable expenses typically exceeds the cost of a fixed-fee accounting service. A good accountant pays for themselves. Beyond the financial argument, removing the administrative burden of tax compliance from your plate is genuinely valuable when you are running your own business.

What expenses can a sole trader claim?

You can claim expenses that are wholly and exclusively for your business. Common allowable expenses include: stock and materials; tools and equipment; vehicle use for business purposes (mileage rate or actual costs); home office costs (HMRC flat rate or proportion of actual costs); phone and internet (business proportion); professional fees, including accountancy; marketing and advertising; training directly related to your business; and professional subscriptions. Personal costs — even if you would not incur them without the business- are not allowable.

What National Insurance do sole traders pay?

Sole traders pay two types of National Insurance. Class 2 NIC is a flat weekly rate (£3.45 per week in 2024/25) paid by those with profits over the Small Profits Threshold of £6,725. Class 4 NIC is 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above £50,270 (2024/25 rates). Both are calculated and collected through your self-assessment return. We ensure both are calculated correctly and advise on voluntary contributions if gaps in your National Insurance record need filling.

When should I register for VAT as a sole trader?

You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any 12-month rolling period. You can also register voluntarily below this threshold. Voluntary registration is worth considering if your clients are mainly VAT-registered businesses (who can reclaim the VAT you charge) and you incur significant VAT on your own costs. We advise on whether voluntary registration is beneficial for your specific circumstances and which VAT scheme.

What is the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?

As a sole trader, you and your business are legally the same entity — your personal assets can be pursued for business debts, and all profits are taxed as your personal income. As a limited company director, your business is a separate legal entity with limited liability. You pay Corporation Tax on company profits (19–25%) and pay yourself via salary and dividends, often at a lower overall tax rate than sole trader income tax. The right choice depends on your profit level, risk profile, and personal circumstances. We advise on the transition and handle the incorporation process if it is the right move.

Get Your Fixed-Fee Sole Trader
Accounting Quote

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