Sole traders · Wirral
Sole trader accounts and tax returns, done for you
We register you with HMRC, set you up on bookkeeping software and prepare and file your tax return, from £60 a month + VAT. You get a named accountant in Bromborough, Wirral, who reminds you what's due, and we work with clients across the UK.
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AAT Licensed Accountant · QuickBooks Elite ProAdvisor · Bromborough, Wirral
Sole trader package
From £60
a month + VAT
An indicative price, subject to turnover not exceeding £150,000. Our team confirms the scope and final price.
Year end accounts
1 x Self Assessment
What we do
What does a sole trader accountant do for you?
We register you as self-employed with HMRC, prepare your accounts and file your Self Assessment tax return. Through the year we set you up on simple cloud software, send regular reports and deadline reminders, and check you're claiming the expenses and reliefs you're entitled to.
One named accountant looks after you.
Self Assessment registration
New to self-employment? We register you with HMRC for Self Assessment as part of your monthly price. See our start-up accountant page.
Accounts and tax return
We prepare your accounts and tax return from your records, file them with HMRC and remind you before each deadline.
Making Tax Digital
We get you ready for digital records and quarterly updates. Sending the updates for you is an add-on at £35 a month + VAT. See what Making Tax Digital support costs.
Simple software
Cloud accounting software that's easy to use on your phone. QuickBooks is our preferred choice.
Reports and reminders
A clear view of what you've earned, what to put aside for tax, and what's due when.
A dedicated accountant
One person who knows your business and picks up when you have a question.
Making Tax Digital
Do sole traders have to use Making Tax Digital in 2026/27?
Yes, if your qualifying income is over £50,000. From 6 April 2026 you must keep digital records and send HMRC an update every quarter using compatible software.
Qualifying income is your self-employment and property income added together, before expenses. The threshold falls to £30,000 from 6 April 2027.
Under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax you keep digital records, send HMRC four quarterly updates through the year, then submit your tax return through compatible software by 31 January. HMRC decides whether you're in from April 2026 by looking at the income on your 2024/25 tax return.
If your income is under the threshold, nothing changes yet: you file one Self Assessment tax return a year. We'll tell you which side of the line you're on and when that's likely to change.
Read our guide to Making Tax Digital for the self-employedMaking Tax Digital dates for 2026/27
Update 1: 6 April to 5 July 2026
7 August 2026
Update 2: 6 April to 5 October 2026
7 November 2026
Update 3: 6 April 2026 to 5 January 2027
7 February 2027
Update 4: 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027
7 May 2027
Tax return and tax payment for 2026/27
31 January 2028
Each update covers the tax year so far, not just the last three months.
Correct as at 5 October 2026 for the 2026/27 tax year.
Deadlines
When is the Self Assessment deadline?
31 January. Your online tax return for the 2025/26 tax year, and any tax you owe for it, are due by 31 January 2027.
For the 2026/27 tax year the deadline is 31 January 2028. If you make payments on account, the second instalment is due on 31 July.
Payments on account are advance payments towards next year's tax bill. HMRC asks for them in two instalments when your last bill was above a set amount. We work out what yours will be early, so you know what to put aside.
Self Assessment key dates
Tell HMRC you're self-employed, if you started in 2026/27
5 October 2027
File your 2025/26 online tax return and pay what you owe
31 January 2027
First payment on account for 2026/27, if you make them
31 January 2027
Second payment on account for 2026/27
31 July 2027
File and pay for 2026/27
31 January 2028
Correct as at 5 October 2026.
How it works
How do you get started with us?
It takes three steps. Fill in our quote form, take a quick call from us to confirm what you need, then leave your accounts with us.
It works the same way whether you're switching from another accountant or have only just started working for yourself.
1
Get your quote
Answer a few questions about your work in our quote form.
2
Take a quick call
We ring you to confirm the quote and answer your questions.
3
Leave it with us
Your accountant takes over and tells you what we need, and when.
Pricing
How much does a sole trader accountant cost?
Your fee depends on the size of your business and the services you need, so we quote for each client. From £60 a month + VAT.
Fill in the quote form for a price based on your own details, and we'll call you to confirm it.
There is no minimum term, and you can pay by Direct Debit or card. If your turnover is above £150,000, our team will give you a custom quote.
See sole trader pricingSole trader
For self-employed people and freelancers.
From £60
a month + VAT
Year end accounts
1 x Self Assessment
Tax efficiency planning
Cloud bookkeeping software
AI receipt capture software
HMRC registration
Add-on: Making Tax Digital compliance, + £35 a month + VAT.
Get a quotePrices are per month, exclude VAT and are indicative. Our team confirms the scope and final price. Subject to turnover not exceeding £150,000.
Why Wainwrights
Why do sole traders choose Wainwrights?
You get your own dedicated accountant and reminders before every deadline, from a practice established over 30 years ago with an office open 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.
We're AAT licensed accountants and a QuickBooks Elite ProAdvisor firm, based in Bromborough and working with self-employed people across the UK.
“Wainwrights have been amazing - Liam is well informed, helpful and takes away the worry of the accounts as I know they are being looked at by an expert! Would thoroughly recommend, Liam is always responsive, supportive and I couldn't recommend him and the team more highly.”
Jenny, on Trustpilot, July 2026
Read our reviews on TrustpilotSole trader or limited company
Sole trader or limited company?
Many people start as a sole trader because it is the simplest structure to set up and keep records for. A limited company is a separate legal entity with its own accounts, tax return and Companies House filings.
If you're weighing it up, we'll talk you through what each would mean for you. Our guide, sole trader or limited company, sets out the 2026/27 differences.
FAQs
What do sole traders ask us before they sign up?
Do I need an accountant as a sole trader?
No, it isn't a legal requirement. Many sole traders use one to save time, avoid mistakes and make sure they claim the expenses and reliefs they're entitled to.
Can I switch accountant part-way through the year?
Yes. We accept clients who switch part-way through their financial year. We contact your previous accountant and handle the handover for you.
Can you register me as self-employed?
Yes. We register you for Self Assessment with HMRC and set up your records at the same time.
What can I claim as a business expense?
Costs you pay only to run your business, such as stock, tools, business insurance and some travel. Your accountant goes through your costs with you and tells you which ones HMRC allows.
See our self-employed allowable expenses list
Which software will I use?
QuickBooks is our preferred software, and we also work with Xero and FreeAgent. Receipts are captured with Apron. We check your software works with Making Tax Digital before you start.
Do I need to be on the Wirral?
No. We're based in Bromborough and work with sole traders across the UK by phone, Zoom, WhatsApp and our client app.
How much does a sole trader accountant cost?
From £60 a month + VAT, or from £110 a month + VAT if you are VAT registered. Prices are indicative and subject to turnover not exceeding £150,000. There is no minimum term, and you pay monthly by Direct Debit or card.
Ready when you are
Want your tax return off your mind?
Fill in our quote form, or book a free call with an accountant in Bromborough.
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