Accountants for Individuals & Sole Traders | Self Assessment & Tax Returns
Chartered accountants for individuals, sole traders, and the self‑employed across the UK. We provide UK‑wide accounting and tax support for freelancers, contractors and landlords, combining a fully digital service with optional in‑person meetings in London, Surrey, Devon and Cornwall. Our focus is on clear advice, fixed fees and stress‑free compliance.
We help freelancers, contractors and landlords with Self Assessment tax returns, bookkeeping, VAT and HMRC compliance, providing clear advice and fixed‑fee support so you stay organised, tax‑efficient, and compliant all year round. We act as a dedicated self‑employed accountant for clients who want clear advice, reliable tax compliance, and a proactive approach to managing their finances.
We specialise in providing clear, proactive, and technically robust accounting and tax services to individuals, freelancers, contractors, and sole traders.
All of our Partners are ACA Chartered Accountants who trained and worked at the Big 4 accounting firms. That background means we bring institutional‑grade technical expertise and HMRC knowledge, but apply it in a practical, personal way for individuals and owner‑managed businesses.
We are passionate about helping individuals:
stay compliant with HMRC,
understand their tax position clearly,
and make better financial decisions with confidence.
Whether you are newly self‑employed, an established sole trader, or someone with complex personal tax affairs, we provide calm, reliable support and clear advice you can actually act on.
Many individuals and sole traders want the reassurance of working with UK‑wide business accountants, while still having the option to meet their accountant in person when needed. We support clients:
UK‑wide via secure cloud accounting systems and remote meetings
Locally, with in‑person meetings available in:
Surrey
Cornwall
Devon
South West London
This hybrid approach allows us to deliver consistent, high‑quality advice regardless of location, while remaining accessible and personal.
Self Assessment Tax Returns for Sole Traders and Individuals
Self Assessment is one of the most common and stressful obligations for self‑employed individuals. If you’re thinking “I just want my tax sorted without stress,” you’re not alone.
Many sole traders come to us because they want reassurance that their tax returns are done properly, deadlines are met, and HMRC is dealt with correctly, without having to worry about the details themselves. Our role is to take that pressure off you.
We prepare and submit Self Assessment tax returns for sole traders, freelancers, contractors, and landlords, ensuring income is reported correctly, allowable expenses are claimed, and HMRC deadlines are met.
We also provide clear explanations of your tax position, payment dates and liabilities, helping you avoid penalties and plan ahead with confidence.
Book a free consultation today using our online enquiry form. For more information about Halliday Styan, read more about us here:
Services for Individuals
We support individuals with personal tax affairs, including those who are not self‑employed but still required to file a tax return.
Who our business accounting services are designed for:
Individuals with multiple income sources
Landlords
High‑income earners
Those required to file Self Assessment for the first time
Our clients typically value clear communication, proactive advice, and partner‑level involvement rather than transactional, volume‑based accounting.
We are not designed for high‑volume, low‑touch bookkeeping services, or businesses seeking the cheapest possible compliance‑only solution. We work with clients UK‑wide and regularly support individuals based in London, Surrey, Devon, Cornwall, and the surrounding areas.
Our services for individuals and sole traders include:
Self Assessment tax return preparation and submission
Bookkeeping for sole traders and self‑employed individuals
VAT registration, advice and VAT returns (including MTD)
HMRC compliance and penalty prevention
Expense tracking and tax‑efficient planning
Support for freelancers, contractors and landlords
Our Self Assessment tax return services are priced transparently, with returns starting from £150.
Who we work with
We support a wide range of individuals and sole traders, including freelancers, contractors, consultants, landlords and people with multiple income sources. Whether you are newly self‑employed or have been trading for years, we tailor our accounting and tax support to suit your situation.
We help clients stay on top of important tax deadlines, including Self Assessment submissions and payments, VAT returns, and upcoming Making Tax Digital reporting requirements, so nothing is missed and penalties are avoided.
Click here to read more about our values as ICAEW‑regulated business accountants:
Self Assessment Tax Returns (SA100)
Accurate, well‑maintained records are the foundation of a smooth and stress‑free self‑assessment tax return. We ensure your income, expenses, and supporting information are properly organised and clearly documented, so your return is accurate, compliant, and filed with confidence.
Our focus goes beyond simply completing the return. We work to produce clean, well‑structured figures that stand up to HMRC scrutiny and minimise the risk of errors, queries, or unexpected liabilities. By keeping records disciplined throughout the year, we reduce last‑minute pressure and help avoid surprises as deadlines approach. We typically assist individuals with:
Organisation and review of income and expense records, including bank statements, allowable deductions, and supporting schedules
Preparation and submission of self‑assessment tax returns
Identification of allowable expenses and reliefs to ensure tax efficiency
Estimates of tax liabilities and payments on account
Ongoing guidance on record‑keeping to simplify future returns
Our goal is to give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind around your personal tax position, so you know where you stand, what you owe, and why. We deal directly with HMRC on your behalf, ensuring submissions are accurate, deadlines are met, and any queries are handled professionally.
Services for Sole Traders
A sole trader is the simplest and most common UK business structure, with over 3 million individuals operating this way. While the structure is simple, tax and compliance errors are common, particularly as income grows or VAT becomes relevant.
We support sole traders across the full lifecycle, from first registration through to established, VAT‑registered businesses.
For sole traders and landlords who want ongoing support, we also offer fixed‑fee monthly accounting packages from £40 per month, providing clarity, consistency and no unexpected costs.
You may also find our guidance on choosing between a sole trader and limited company structure and our articles on Making Tax Digital helpful when planning your next steps.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Sole Traders and Landlords
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) will apply to many sole traders and landlords from April 2026 onwards. We help clients prepare for MTD by setting up compliant digital records, choosing suitable software, and ensuring quarterly updates and annual submissions are handled correctly.
Read more about our services here:
Sole Trader Bookkeeping
Accurate bookkeeping is the backbone of a compliant and well‑run sole trader business. We keep your income and expenses properly recorded, reconciled, and clearly categorised so your figures are reliable, tax‑efficient, and ready for self‑assessment.
Our approach focuses on maintaining clean, organised records throughout the year rather than scrambling at the deadline. By keeping your books structured in line with HMRC requirements, we reduce errors, save time, and give you a clearer understanding of how your business is performing.
What it includes:
Recording and review of income and business expenses
Bank reconciliation and transaction checks
Categorisation of costs to support tax efficiency
Maintaining clear, organised records suitable for HMRC
Support using spreadsheets or cloud software such as Xero or QuickBooks
Clean and reliable records mean your tax return can be prepared accurately and efficiently, with far less risk of errors or omissions. This significantly reduces the likelihood of HMRC enquiries or penalties and removes the pressure that often builds up at year‑end. Keeping your bookkeeping up to date also provides ongoing visibility over profitability and cash position, allowing you to make better‑informed decisions throughout the year rather than relying on hindsight.
VAT Registration, Returns, & Making Tax Digital (MTD)
VAT can be complex, time‑consuming, and costly if handled incorrectly. We provide clear, practical support to ensure your VAT obligations are met accurately, on time, and in full compliance with HMRC’s Making Tax Digital requirements.
From deciding whether registration is required to managing ongoing filings, we help you navigate VAT with confidence. Our focus is on accuracy, compliance, and cash‑flow awareness, so VAT does not become an unnecessary risk or distraction.
What it includes:
Advice on whether VAT registration is required or beneficial
VAT registration and deregistration
Preparation and filing of VAT returns
Compliance with Making Tax Digital (MTD) rules
Advice on VAT schemes such as Flat Rate or Cash Accounting
Proper VAT management helps avoid costly penalties arising from late or incorrect submissions and ensures the correct amount of VAT is charged and reclaimed. With the right scheme and processes in place, VAT cash‑flow becomes more predictable and manageable. Ongoing compliance with MTD rules provides reassurance that your obligations are being met as HMRC requirements continue to evolve.
Management Accounts & Financial Insight
For sole traders who want more than basic compliance, management accounts provide clarity and insight into how the business is really performing. This service turns your bookkeeping data into meaningful financial information that supports better decision‑making.
Rather than simply reporting numbers, we focus on identifying trends, risks, and opportunities. Regular financial insight helps you stay in control of your business and address issues early, before they develop into larger problems.
What it includes:
Periodic profit and loss reports
Cash‑flow analysis
Review of cost trends and margins
Identification of unusual expenses or inefficiencies
Management accounts give you a clearer understanding of your true financial performance, helping you assess whether pricing, costs, and margins are sustainable. They support informed decisions around growth, investment, and workload, while highlighting potential issues early enough to take corrective action. This transforms your financial data from a compliance exercise into a practical management tool.
Cloud Accounting Setup & Support
The right systems make bookkeeping simpler, more accurate, and far less time‑consuming. We help sole traders move to, or get more value from, cloud accounting software so records remain up to date and compliant with HMRC requirements.
Whether you are transitioning from spreadsheets or setting up cloud software for the first time, we ensure your system is configured correctly and supported on an ongoing basis.
What it includes:
Setup and configuration of cloud accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, Sage)
Migration from spreadsheets where required
Bank feed, invoicing, and reporting setup
Ongoing support and troubleshooting
Cloud accounting provides real‑time visibility over income and expenses, reducing the need for manual record‑keeping and minimising errors. It simplifies collaboration with your accountant and significantly reduces administrative effort. Proper setup also supports Making Tax Digital compliance, ensuring your systems are aligned with HMRC’s digital reporting requirements.
Budgeting & Forecasting for Sole Traders
Budgeting and forecasting provide forward‑looking clarity, helping you plan ahead and avoid surprises, particularly around tax payments, VAT, or quieter trading periods.
We build realistic forecasts based on your actual figures, linking them directly to your self‑assessment and VAT obligations. This allows you to understand not only where the business is heading, but what that means for cash‑flow and tax exposure.
What it includes:
Income and expense budgeting
Cash‑flow forecasting
Scenario planning (e.g. quiet periods, growth, VAT impacts)
Tax forecasting aligned with self‑assessment payments
Having a clear financial plan improves confidence and control, allowing you to anticipate pressure points rather than reacting to them. Forecasting helps prevent cash‑flow shocks around tax deadlines and supports more sustainable growth decisions. It also provides clarity over future income and tax liabilities, making it easier to plan personal finances alongside the business.
We have also written an article on budgeting and forecasting, which you can access here:
Why clients choose Halliday Styan
Businesses and companies choose Halliday Styan because we offer:
Partner-led service with specialist business expertise
Over 25 years’ combined experience
Big 4 training applied to owner-managed and growing businesses
Clear, board-ready financial reporting to help make decisions (not just compliance outputs)
Support for smaller organisations without finance teams
ICAEW‑regulated firm with partner‑led oversight on all client work
UK-wide service with partners based in London, Surrey, Devon, and Cornwall
Most importantly, we care deeply about supporting companies in their growth journey. All work is carried out by ICAEW‑regulated Chartered Accountants, not junior staff or outsourced teams.
For more information about our local presence or location-specific services, click the below links.
Book a Free Consultation
No obligation. Clear advice from a Chartered Accountant.
If you’re looking for business accountants who can handle compliance and also help you run your business with clarity and confidence, we would love to help. Book a free consultation today using our online enquiry form, and discover how Halliday Styan can support your mission with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
Individuals and Sole Trader FAQs
Do you work with individuals and sole traders across the UK?
Yes. We support individuals and sole traders throughout the UK using secure cloud accounting systems. While most clients work with us remotely, in‑person meetings are also available in selected locations including South West London, Surrey, Devon, and Cornwall.
What accounting services do you provide for sole traders and self‑employed individuals?
We provide a complete service covering bookkeeping, Self Assessment tax returns, HMRC compliance, VAT (including Making Tax Digital), income and expense tracking, and ongoing tax planning support.
Do I need an accountant for Self Assessment?
While you can submit a tax return yourself, many sole traders use an accountant to avoid errors, reduce tax legally, and prevent HMRC penalties. We ensure everything is accurate, compliant and explained clearly.
Do you prepare Self Assessment tax returns for sole traders and the self‑employed?
Yes. We prepare and submit Self Assessment tax returns for sole traders, freelancers, contractors, landlords, and individuals with multiple income sources, ensuring everything is accurate, compliant, and submitted on time.
I just want my tax sorted, can you handle everything for me?
Yes. Many of our clients come to us because they want peace of mind rather than paperwork. We handle your tax returns, bookkeeping and HMRC submissions, explain anything you need to know in plain English, and make sure nothing is missed.
How much does an accountant cost for a sole trader?
The cost depends on the level of support required. Basic Self Assessment tax returns typically start from a fixed fee, while ongoing accounting support for sole traders is often provided on a monthly basis to give cost certainty and ongoing advice.
Will Making Tax Digital affect me as a sole trader?
Yes. Many sole traders and landlords will be required to follow Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 2026 onwards, depending on income levels. We help clients understand whether MTD applies to them and ensure they are fully compliant ahead of time.
Can you help reduce my tax bill legally?
Yes. We focus on legitimate tax efficiency by ensuring all allowable expenses, reliefs, and allowances are claimed correctly, while helping you plan ahead to avoid unnecessary tax and surprises.
Do I need an accountant if I’m self‑employed?
While it’s not legally required, many self‑employed individuals use an accountant to avoid errors, reduce the risk of HMRC penalties, save time, and ensure they are not paying more tax than necessary.
Can you help if my records are behind or disorganised?
Yes. We regularly help clients get back on track by cleaning up historic bookkeeping, reconciling records, and putting simple, sustainable systems in place going forward.
Do you support VAT registration and VAT returns?
Yes. We advise on VAT registration, help you choose the correct VAT scheme, and prepare and submit VAT returns in line with Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements.
Can you support cloud accounting software?
Yes. We work with modern cloud accounting software and can help with setup, training, and ongoing support, making it easier to track income, expenses, and tax liabilities in real time.
How often will I hear from my accountant?
Communication is tailored to you. Some clients prefer regular check‑ins, while others only need support around key deadlines such as tax returns or VAT submissions. You’ll always know when action is required.
Can you take over from my existing accountant?
Yes. We manage the entire handover process, including professional clearance and record transfers, ensuring a smooth transition with no disruption to deadlines or compliance.
Do you help new sole traders or people just starting out?
Yes. We regularly support people who are newly self‑employed, including HMRC registration, bookkeeping setup, understanding tax obligations, and putting clear processes in place from day one.
Will you explain my tax position in plain English?
Absolutely. A core part of our service is helping clients understand their numbers. We explain tax calculations, accounts, and liabilities clearly so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Do you provide advice beyond basic tax compliance?
Yes. In addition to compliance, we provide proactive support such as cash‑flow planning, budgeting guidance, and forward‑looking tax planning to help you manage income more effectively.
Can you help reduce the risk of HMRC penalties?
Yes. We focus on accurate record‑keeping, timely submissions, and clear planning around deadlines, significantly reducing the risk of late filing penalties, errors, and HMRC enquiries.
Do you offer fixed‑fee or monthly pricing?
Yes. We agree clear scopes of work and transparent pricing upfront, often on a fixed monthly basis, giving you cost certainty and no unexpected fees.