Accountants for Sole Traders
Accountants for sole traders help self-employed people in the UK keep their records, accounts and tax in order — without the jargon. We prepare your Self Assessment tax return, check what you can claim, and explain what you owe and when.
What accountants for sole traders cover
Accountants for sole traders cover the day-to-day tax and accounts work that comes with being self-employed. Our work includes:
- Preparing your annual accounts from your sales, expenses and bank records.
- Preparing and filing your Self Assessment tax return, including income from self-employment and any other income.
- Checking your allowable expenses, so you claim what the rules allow and nothing you should not.
- Registering you as a sole trader with HMRC and for Self Assessment.
- Bookkeeping help, including keeping your records tidy through the year.
- VAT registration and VAT returns, if your turnover makes VAT apply.
- Working out your tax bill, payments on account, and the dates you need to pay.
- Dealing with HMRC letters, checks and questions on your behalf.
We explain your return and your tax bill in plain English before anything is filed, so you know where you stand.
Who accountants for sole traders are for
Accountants for sole traders are for anyone who works for themselves in the UK and has to deal with Self Assessment. That includes:
- Sole traders and freelancers, including consultants, designers, writers and tradespeople.
- Self-employed people with a side business alongside a job.
- People who have just started working for themselves and need to register.
- Sole traders whose income has grown and who now need proper accounts and bookkeeping.
- Anyone who has fallen behind with a tax return, or who has had a penalty or an HMRC letter.
If you are starting out, our guides to how to register as a sole trader and allowable expenses for the self-employed explain the first steps and what you can claim.
How it works
Working with accountants for sole traders is straightforward:
- Contact us — tell us about your self-employed work, your income and what you need help with.
- We review your records — we look at your sales, expenses and bank records, and check whether you need to register for Self Assessment or VAT.
- We agree the work and the fee — you get a written quote before any work starts, so there are no surprises.
- We prepare your accounts and tax return — we prepare your accounts, check your allowable expenses, and file your Self Assessment tax return by the deadline.
- We keep you on track — we explain your tax bill and payment dates, and help you keep your records tidy through the year.
If you already file your own return, we can take over from your next return, or simply check a return before you file it.
Typical fees for accountants for sole traders
Typical UK market averages for 2026, based on published competitor fee guides — not a fixed quote. Your exact fee depends on your records and complexity; contact us for a written quote. All fees exclude VAT unless stated.
| Service | Typical UK average | What affects the price |
|---|---|---|
| One-off Self Assessment tax return | £150–£350 (average around £250) | How many income sources you have, and how tidy your records are |
| Annual accounts plus tax return | £300–£800 a year | Your turnover, the number of transactions and whether bookkeeping is included |
| Ongoing monthly package, basic | £25–£100 a month | The level of support, and how much of the work you do yourself |
| Ongoing monthly package, with bookkeeping and VAT | £50–£150 a month | Your transaction volume, whether VAT is included, and the bookkeeping needed |
Why choose us
- Plain-English explanations — we explain your accounts, your tax return and your tax bill before anything is filed.
- Clear written quotes up front, with no hidden extras.
- We check your allowable expenses, so you claim what the rules allow.
- Your records kept in order, so deadlines and HMRC requirements are not missed.
- A UK tax, accounting and finance focus, with guides checked against GOV.UK and HMRC guidance.
Frequently asked questions about accountants for sole traders
Do I need accountants for sole traders if my income is small?
Not always. If your income is small and simple, you may be able to file your own return. An accountant can still help if you are unsure about expenses, if your income has grown, or if you want to be sure the return is right.
How much does a Self Assessment tax return cost for a sole trader?
A one-off Self Assessment tax return typically costs £150–£350, with an average around £250. Annual accounts plus a tax return typically cost £300–£800 a year. Your exact fee depends on your records and complexity, so contact us for a written quote.
What expenses can I claim as a sole trader?
You can usually claim the costs of running your business, such as materials, equipment, travel, and a share of home-office costs where the rules allow. Our allowable expenses guide explains what self-employed people can claim.
When is the Self Assessment deadline?
For a tax year ending 5 April, the online Self Assessment return and any tax owed are usually due by 31 January. We file returns well before the deadline where possible, and explain your payment dates.
Can you register me as a sole trader?
Yes. We help you register as a sole trader with HMRC and for Self Assessment. See our guide to registering as a sole trader for the first steps.
Ready to get started? Contact us for a written quote, or email us.