Sole Trader Accountants
Simple, straightforward accounting support for sole traders.
Running your own business as a sole trader gives you the freedom to work for yourself, but it also means you’re responsible for managing your finances, keeping accurate records, and meeting your tax obligations.
At Coombs Chartered Accountants, we make accounting simple. Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor, consultant, tradesperson, or self-employed professional, we’ll help you stay compliant, minimise your tax bill, and give you the confidence to focus on growing your business.
Accounting Support for Self-Employed Businesses
As a sole trader, you wear many hats. Alongside delivering great work for your clients, you also need to keep track of income and expenses, submit tax returns, and understand what you owe to HMRC.
Our experienced team provides practical advice and ongoing support, helping you stay organised and avoid unnecessary stress. We’ll ensure you meet your deadlines while identifying opportunities to improve tax efficiency and maximise your profits.
Our Sole Trader Accounting Services
We offer a complete range of services for sole traders, including:
- Self Assessment tax returns
- Bookkeeping
- Business expense advice
- Tax planning
- VAT registration and returns
- Cloud accounting software
- Management accounts
- Cash flow advice
- Business start-up guidance
- HMRC support and correspondence
- Year-round business advice
Whether you’re just becoming self-employed or have been trading for years, we’ll tailor our services to suit your business.
Helping You Keep More of What You Earn
Understanding what you can claim as a business expense and planning ahead for your tax bill can make a significant difference to your finances.
We’ll help you:
- Claim all eligible business expenses
- Budget for Income Tax and National Insurance
- Stay compliant with HMRC
- Keep accurate financial records
- Make informed business decisions
Our proactive approach means you’re never left wondering where you stand financially.
More Than Just a Tax Return
Preparing your annual Self Assessment is only part of what we do.
We believe accountants should provide ongoing support throughout the year, helping sole traders improve profitability, manage cash flow, and plan for future growth.
As your business develops, we’ll be there to provide advice on everything from investing in new equipment to deciding whether it’s time to become a limited company.
Why Choose Coombs?
We understand the challenges of running your own business and pride ourselves on providing advice that’s clear, practical, and tailored to your needs.
When you work with us, you’ll benefit from:
- Friendly, personal service
- Straightforward, jargon-free advice
- Fixed-fee pricing
- Proactive tax planning
- Cloud accounting expertise
- Year-round support whenever you need it
We’re here to make your finances simpler, so you can spend more time doing what you do best.
Looking for an Accountant as a Sole Trader?
Whether you’re newly self-employed or looking for a more proactive accountant, Coombs Chartered Accountants are here to help.
Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although it’s not a legal requirement, an accountant can help you save time, reduce your tax bill, ensure your records are accurate, and keep you compliant with HMRC requirements.
Sole traders typically pay Income Tax and National Insurance on their business profits. Depending on your turnover and the type of work you do, you may also need to register for VAT.
You can usually claim allowable business expenses such as office costs, travel, equipment, software, professional fees, insurance, and certain utility costs if you work from home. We’ll help ensure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll normally need to submit a Self Assessment tax return each year. We’ll prepare and submit your return on your behalf, ensuring everything is accurate and filed on time.
You may need to register for VAT if your turnover exceeds the registration threshold, although voluntary registration can also be beneficial for some businesses. We’ll advise on the best option for your circumstances.
Yes. Whether you want to manage your own bookkeeping using cloud software or prefer us to take care of it, we can provide a solution that suits your business.
As your business grows, operating through a limited company may become more tax-efficient or offer greater legal protection. We’ll help you decide if and when incorporation is the right move.
Yes. We can communicate directly with HMRC regarding your tax affairs, helping to resolve queries, manage correspondence, and give you greater peace of mind.
We offer transparent, fixed-fee pricing based on the services you need. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, with no hidden charges.
Absolutely. We regularly help new sole traders get started, from registering with HMRC and choosing accounting software to understanding their tax obligations and planning for future growth.
Their team is thorough, well organised, and committed to delivering an excellent service to their clients. Communication is always prompt and clear, allowing us to deliver payroll accurately and on time.
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and professional accountancy firm.
The replacement that was offered by my present number cruncher didn’t really float my boat.
I dug into my roladex and messaged a previous CA, whom had also retired! (I see a pattern. Nothing to do with bureaucratic shenanigans surely?)
I was put in touch with Jake at Coombs Chartered Accountants and immediately was impressed with his enthusiasm, knowledge and client-centred viewpoint.
The transition from old to new went well, down to the professionalism of both accountants.
Can’t complain about any aspect of the service I receive and the advice given is clear and detailed, which is helpful and reassuring.
His prices are fair and, notably, is available at most times. When I leave a message, it’s returned soon after.
And he’s a (the real) Latics fan, so there’s an additional connection!
Recommendation cannot be emphasised enough.
Jake’s knowledge and attention to detail was the main driver for me ( helps he’s a good guy too). He doesn’t just look at the short term but asks you a lot of questions to seek out the long term to tailor his advice to you.
Couldn’t recommend him highly enough.
5 stars all the way!
Jake is a pleasure to deal with, very helpful, very knowledgeable, understanding, and I wouldn’t use anybody else. Thank you, Jake.
Insights
Contractor Tax Return Guide for UK Contractors
Our contractor tax return guide explains deadlines, records, expenses and payments, helping UK contractors file accurately and plan with real confidence.
Do Directors Need a Separate Tax Return?
Do directors need a separate tax return? Clear guidance on Self Assessment, company filings, deadlines and the records directors need to submit each year.
Bookkeeper vs Accountant Differences Explained
Understand bookkeeper vs accountant differences, from daily records to tax planning, and choose the right financial support for your business wisely.
Coombs have been an invaluable part of our business journey. They simplified our accounting, kept us compliant, and offered advice that genuinely helped us grow. It’s rare to find a firm that’s both knowledgeable and approachable. What really sets them apart, though, is the extra time and care they give to clients with learning difficulties like ADHD and dyslexia. They break things down clearly, never rush the process, and make sure you feel supported every step of the way. That kind of understanding is priceless.
I couldn’t imagine not working with Jake – he’s truly the oracle! Nothing is ever too much trouble, and he always takes the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. In the 11 years we’ve worked together, there hasn’t been a single question he couldn’t answer. I couldn’t recommend him enough and such a positive guy to have on board with us.
I was recommended Jake when I was looking for an accountant for my business – I’m delighted that I took the advice! As having spoken with Jake he advised that I become a limited company, sorted out all the paperwork and it’s been a hassle- free process plus saving me money; what isn’t there to recommend?
Definitely recommend Jake, we have been with him now a couple of years and has been very helpful always willing to answer any questions we may have had, very easy to deal with and has made the accounting side of our business a breeze.
I’ve the pleasure of working with Jake, and I can confidently say he’s one of the most helpful and reliable professionals I’ve dealt with. He’s consistently thorough, responsive, and takes the time to explain everything clearly. Whether it’s tax season or ongoing financial planning, Jake brings both expertise and peace of mind to the process. I truly appreciate his attention to detail and the way he makes complex financial matters feel manageable. Highly recommended!