Trade credit insurance protects against customers who don't pay, but the premium is a genuine ongoing cost. A worked look at when it pays for itself for UK small businesses in 2026.
How self-employed watchmakers and clock repairers are taxed in the UK for 2026/27, covering parts and consignment stock, VAT on repairs and antiques, and tool allowances.
How self-employed independent wedding and civil celebrants are taxed in the UK for 2026/27, covering VAT, seasonal income, training costs and travel expenses.
UK working-from-home tax relief is £6/week (£312/year) of tax-free expenses — but rules tightened after 2022. Here's who qualifies, how to claim, the self-employed alternative
UK VAT registration is mandatory above £90,000 turnover. Voluntary below. Here's the threshold, when to register, the Flat Rate Scheme, MTD VAT rules and how to deregister if turnover falls
Freelance mobile app developers mixing client contracts with their own App Store and Play Store income face a distinctive dual-income tax picture. Full worked example on £42,000 combined turnover.
Self-employed blacksmiths and metalworkers making gates, railings and decorative ironwork carry heavy equipment and steel stock costs. Full worked example on £38,000 turnover shows a £4,278 tax and NI bill.
Self-employed wedding and celebration cake decorators face upfront ingredient costs, expensive kit and fragile-cargo delivery logistics. Full worked example on £28,000 turnover showing what a decorator actually keeps after tax.
Self-employed calligraphers doing wedding invitations, signage and commissions face seasonal income and modest material costs. Full worked example on £16,000 turnover shows a £86 tax and NI bill.
Self-employed candle makers selling at craft markets and online face wax, wick and fragrance costs, pitch fees, and mandatory CLP safety testing. Full worked example on £15,000 turnover and what you actually keep.
Carpet and upholstery cleaning runs on machine investment and consumables. Worked example on £38,000 turnover shows exactly what a self-employed carpet cleaner owes in tax and NI for 2026/27.
Self-employed CV writers and career coaches run one of the lowest-overhead service businesses around. Full worked example on £32,000 turnover shows what you actually keep after tax and NI.
