Accountants for Sole Traders

A Comprehensive Sole Trader Accountancy Service

Simplifying Self-Employment, One Step at a Time

Being a Sole Trader comes with the freedom of being your own boss — and the responsibility of managing everything yourself. Whether you're a contractor, freelancer, locum, social media influencer, or anything in between, the Sole Trader model offers flexibility and control. But with that freedom comes financial complexity.

At Rawcliffe & Co, we’re here to make your journey easier — by taking the stress out of managing your finances.

Why Choose Rawcliffe & Co?

We specialise in delivering real-time, jargon-free, and hassle-free accounting solutions tailored specifically to Sole Traders across all industries.

Our services help you:

• Stay compliant with HMRC requirements

• File accurate tax returns and meet deadlines

• Organise income, expenses, and invoices with ease

• Understand your business’s performance at a glance

• Focus on growing your business while we handle the numbers

Unlimited Support from Experts Who Understand You

We offer unlimited support and advice — no matter how big or small the query. Our dedicated accountants will ensure your accounts are always up to date, your obligations are met, and your financial decisions are well-informed.

Let’s Keep It Simple

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch accountants, Rawcliffe & Co is ready to support your self-employed journey every step of the way.

Unlike many other accountants for Sole Traders, we offer a fixed fee service with no hidden surprises. Our Sole Trader accounting package is from £60 +VAT per month.

Expert Sole Trader Accounting — Simple, Transparent, and Affordable

At Rawcliffe & Co, we’re specialists in Sole Trader accounting. We remove the jargon and deliver a comprehensive, real-time, and hassle-free service tailored specifically for self-employed professionals across all sectors.

Whether you’re a contractor, freelancer, locum, influencer, or operate in any other field — we’ve got your accounting needs covered.

We make sure your financials are always accurate, up-to-date, and HMRC-compliant — so you can focus on running your business.

Simple Fixed Fee — From £60 + VAT per Month

Unlike many accountants, we believe in transparent pricing. Our Sole Trader package includes:

• Unlimited support and advice

• Full year-end accounts, tax return preparation, and filing

• No hidden fees. No nasty surprises.

All Your Sole Trader Accounting Needs. One Monthly Fee.

Whether you’re just starting out or switching from another accountant, Rawcliffe & Co makes it seamless and stress-free.

Ready to Switch Accountants?

We’ll Handle Everything for You — Stress-Free.

Tired of slow response times, poor service, or surprise tax bills from your current accountant? You're not alone.

Many contractors and small business owners stay with underperforming accountants simply because they’re too busy to make a change. But reviewing your accounting relationship is essential — especially when your finances and peace of mind are on the line.

At Rawcliffe & Co, we make switching simple.

We’ll manage the entire process for you — from onboarding to communicating with your previous accountant to collect all the necessary records. Our efficient, streamlined approach ensures a smooth transition, so you can start enjoying expert service and timely advice without any hassle.

Let us take care of your accounting, so you can focus on growing your business.

Here’s what’s included in our Sole Trader Accounting package:

Accounting:

• Quarterly reviews of your bookkeeping data

• Preparation & Submission of quarterly VAT Returns

• Preparation & Submission of monthly Payroll (for up to 2 employees)

• Preparation & Submission of your Self-Assessment Tax Return
  Assistance with HMRC records checks

• Reminder service for all deadlines and payments

• Ongoing tax payment reminders

Customer Service:

• Same day response service under our client service guarantee

• Your own dedicated accountant

• Unlimited support and advice via email, telephone, video call and face to face meetings

• Friendly, proactive and experienced team.

MTD (Making Tax Digital) is a UK government initiative aimed at simplifying the tax system by requiring businesses to keep digital records and submit tax returns online. Sole traders, like other businesses, are affected by MTD rules.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how MTD applies to sole traders:

1. Who Needs to Comply?

Sole traders with an annual turnover above the VAT registration threshold (£85,000) are required to follow MTD for VAT. For income tax, MTD is gradually being rolled out, and as of April 2026, it will apply to sole traders with income over £50,000.

2. MTD for VAT

If you’re a sole trader who is VAT-registered, you’ll need to:

• Use digital software to keep track of your VAT records.

• File VAT returns digitally via the software (this replaces the old paper filing system or logging into HMRC online directly).

• You’ll be required to keep records in a digital format, and no more manual bookkeeping.

Key points:

• You’ll need to use compatible accounting software, like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreeAgent.

• Submitting VAT returns directly through the software, instead of manually inputting numbers on the HMRC website.

3. MTD for Income Tax (Under "MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment" or MTD ITSA)

The roll-out for income tax is a little further down the line:

• From April 2026, sole traders and landlords with income above £50,000 will need to comply with MTD ITSA.

• This means you'll have to:

  • Keep digital records of income and expenses.

  • Submit quarterly updates to HMRC, along with a final annual summary to complete your tax return.

Before this, however, there are pilot programs for businesses with turnover between £30,000 and £50,000, allowing them to sign up voluntarily.

4. What Do You Need to Do?

To comply with MTD:

• Register for MTD if you’re eligible (especially for VAT).

• Switch to compatible software for your bookkeeping (if you haven’t already).

• File returns electronically.

• Keep records in a digital format (this includes receipts, invoices, and any transactions).

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

If you fail to comply with MTD requirements, there could be penalties, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the changes and make sure your accounting system is MTD-compliant.

6. Software Options

If you're looking for software to manage MTD:

• QuickBooks, Xero, and FreeAgent are popular choices for sole traders.

• HMRC also has a list of approved MTD software providers.