Updated for 2025/26

Guides for UK Tradespeople

Plain-English guides to pricing, tax, and running a profitable trade business.

How to Set Your Day Rate
Step-by-step formula using your target income, tax, overheads, real billable days, and profit margin. With worked examples by trade.
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The Complete Guide to Tradesperson Overheads
Every overhead category with typical annual figures by trade — van, tools, insurance, memberships, accountant, and more.
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How to Price a Job (The Right Way)
Labour, materials with markup, travel, disposal, profit margin, and VAT — all explained with a full worked example.
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Self-Employed Tax: What You Actually Pay
Income tax, Class 4 NI, self-assessment, payments on account, allowable expenses, VAT, and CIS — all for 2025/26.
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Making Tax Digital for Tradespeople
MTD for Income Tax starts April 2026. What changes, who is affected, deadlines, software options, and what you need to do now.
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MTD Setup: Step-by-Step Guide
How to choose software, sign up with HMRC, record transactions, and submit quarterly updates. A practical checklist for sole traders.
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