ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES FOR SOLE TRADERS, CONTRACTORS, FREELANCERS
Leave your financials to us so you can focus on your business
Being a sole trader means you're wearing multiple hats. We're here to take the weight of accounting off your shoulder. We’ve bundled everything you need into one package with one fixed cost. Discuss how Beany suits your needs with one of our problem solvers.
What is a sole trader?
A sole trader is one of the common business structures for small businesses in the UK. It is the simplest and cheapest business structure. A sole trader is an individual running a business. If you operate your business as a sole trader, you are the only owner and you control and manage the business.
Sole traders can be anyone from a builder to a graphic designer, a food stall vendor to a plumber. Individuals who are sole traders are their own bosses and have full control over their work and hours. They have complete freedom to make decisions about how they run the business and don't need partners or employees. At the same time, they're responsible for paying their income tax and VAT (if they're VAT registered).
How to register as a sole trader
If you decide to run your business through a sole trader business structure, then you need to register and set up as a sole trader:
- Request a self-assessment unique tax reference (UTR)
- Know your national insurance (NI) number or register for an NI number if you’re moving to the UK to set up a business
- Register for VAT if your business activity turnover is over £90,000 annually
- Register for self-assessment by 5 October following the tax year in which you start trading.
Advantages & disadvantages
👑 Advantages
- You are your own boss
- Low cost and easy to set up
- You can keep all the profits
- Easy to change your business structure later
⚡️ Disadvantages
- Unlimited liability
- Difficult to grow
- Be the decision-maker in everything
- Tax may not be efficient
- Hard to sell the business
What do you get with a Beany sole trader package?
Sole trader financial statements (profit & loss and balance sheet only)
Self-assessment tax return
Easy online dashboard
Unlimited support for day-to-day queries
Reduced taxes