Overview of sole trader tax planning

Produced by a Tolley Owner-Managed Businesses expert
Owner-Managed Businesses
Guidance

Overview of sole trader tax planning

Produced by a Tolley Owner-Managed Businesses expert
Owner-Managed Businesses
Guidance
imgtext

Because sole traders are the most simple trading entity possible, it is very easy to overlook them when it comes to planning work. It is often the case that planning for such clients will be done on a purely reactive basis, such as when they approach an adviser to discuss incorporation or purchasing large capital items.

However, advisers should endeavour to review all of their clients’ positions at least once a year.

Planning events

Determining when to conduct planning for sole traders can be challenging. There are several annual events which may dictate when best to undertake planning work and what sort of planning is appropriate:

EventTypical planning considerations
Accounting period end if accrual accountingCapital purchases
Expenditure deductible when paid
Tax year endPension contributions (annual allowance planning and higher rate relief planning)
Charitable donations
Personal taxation considerations
Completion of accountsProvisions
Bonus accruals
Completion of tax returnPayment of accrued bonuses
Claims and elections for relief
Payments on accountReduction in payments on account

Some

Continue reading the full document
To gain access to additional expert tax guidance, workflow tools, generative tax AI, and tax research, register for a free trial of Tolley+™
Powered by Tolley+
  • 07 Nov 2025 07:20

Popular Articles

Enterprise investment scheme tax relief

Enterprise investment scheme tax reliefOverview of EIS tax reliefsThe enterprise investment scheme (EIS) offers significant tax reliefs to encourage individuals to invest money in qualifying shares issued by qualifying unquoted companies. The scheme is designed to encourage investment in small,

14 Jul 2020 11:36 | Produced by Tolley Read more Read more

Exemption ― burial and cremation

Exemption ― burial and cremationThis guidance note provides an overview of the VAT treatment of services that are provided in connection with the burial or cremation of human remains.VAT treatmentThe following services are exempt from VAT:•the disposal of the remains of the dead•making arrangements

14 Jul 2020 11:38 | Produced by Tolley Read more Read more

Exemption ― insurance ― overview

Exemption ― insurance ― overviewThis guidance note provides an overview of the VAT treatment of insurance products and should be read in conjunction with the Insurance ― specific transactions and Exemption ― insurance ― brokers and agents guidance notes.Is insurance exempt from VAT?Supplies of

Read more Read more