TaxMTD Blog

Guides23 April 2026·4 min read

Why CSV upload is just as reliable as bank feeds - and why we're opening with it

Real-time bank feeds sound magical, but for a UK sole trader or small limited company, uploading a monthly CSV from your bank is faster, cheaper and already works with every UK bank. Here's the honest trade-off, and our plan for adding Plaid Open Banking on top.

TaxMTD Team

HMRC & Law4 April 2026·5 min read

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS): A Complete Guide for Subcontractors

If you work in construction as a subcontractor, CIS deductions affect every payment you receive. Here's how the scheme works, how to get gross payment status, and how to reclaim deductions.

Guides4 April 2026·5 min read

Getting Paid Faster: Professional Invoicing Tips for Freelancers

Late payment costs UK freelancers billions each year. Here are practical invoicing strategies, your legal rights under late payment legislation, and how to improve cash flow.

News4 April 2026·4 min read

Employer NICs Rise to 15%: What It Means If You're Thinking of Hiring

From April 2025, employer National Insurance jumped to 15% with the threshold slashed to £5,000. Here's how it affects sole traders considering their first hire.

Opinion4 April 2026·5 min read

Why Spreadsheets Are Costing Your Business Money

90% of spreadsheets contain errors. With MTD mandating digital records from April 2026, here's why sole traders need to ditch Excel for proper accounting software.

Economics4 April 2026·4 min read

Rising Energy Bills: How Sole Traders Can Cut Business Overheads in 2026

82% of UK small businesses have felt the impact of rising energy prices. Here are practical ways to reduce overheads and claim energy costs as tax deductions.

IT Security4 April 2026·5 min read

GDPR for Sole Traders: What You Actually Need to Do

There's no GDPR exemption for sole traders. If you handle client data, you have legal obligations. Here's the practical checklist - no jargon, no panic.

HMRC & Law4 April 2026·4 min read

National Insurance for the Self-Employed: What You Pay in 2026-27

Class 2 NI is now voluntary and Class 4 dropped to 8%. Here's what self-employed people actually pay, how it affects your state pension, and what the thresholds mean.

Guides4 April 2026·5 min read

How to Track Business Mileage and Claim HMRC Simplified Rates

HMRC lets sole traders claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles. Here's how to track journeys properly, what counts, and how TaxMTD automates it.

News4 April 2026·5 min read

Cash Basis Is Now the Default for Sole Traders: What Changed and Why It Matters

From 2024-25, HMRC assumes all sole traders use the cash basis. The turnover cap has been removed entirely. Here's what this means for your tax return.

Economics4 April 2026·5 min read

Bank Rate Held at 3.75%: What It Means for Freelancers and Small Businesses

The Bank of England held rates at 3.75% in March 2026 amid rising energy costs. Here's how higher-for-longer borrowing costs affect freelancers, and what you can do about it.

IT Security4 April 2026·4 min read

Cybersecurity for Sole Traders: 5 Threats You Can't Afford to Ignore in 2026

UK cyber attacks doubled in 2025, and sole traders are prime targets. Here are the five biggest threats - and practical steps to protect your business and client data.

Guides4 April 2026·4 min read

The Complete Self Assessment Guide for Sole Traders (2025-26 Tax Year)

Everything sole traders need to know about filing Self Assessment for the 2025-26 tax year - deadlines, allowable expenses, payments on account, and how to avoid penalties.

HMRC & Law4 April 2026·4 min read

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: What Sole Traders Must Know Before April 2026

MTD for Income Tax launches 6 April 2026 for sole traders earning over £50,000. Here's everything you need to prepare - deadlines, software requirements, and how TaxMTD keeps you compliant.