The InvoiceAdept blog.
Practical guides on Making Tax Digital, invoicing, and running a successful trades business, written in plain English, not accountant-speak.
Sole trader vs limited company in 2026: which saves you more tax?
A blunt comparison of sole trader vs limited company for UK tradespeople in 2026. Real tax calculations at different profit levels, the crossover point where incorporating saves money, and the hidden costs nobody tells you about.
Right to work checks: what contractors must do when hiring subcontractors
Hiring a subcontractor without a right to work check can land you with a civil penalty of up to 60,000. Here is what you need to check, when, and how to stay on the right side of the law.
Pension options for self-employed tradespeople: what you need to know
Self-employed tradespeople don't get an employer pension. Here's a plain-English breakdown of your options — from SIPPs to personal pensions — and how to start saving for retirement without overpaying tax.
Ceiling fixer invoice template UK (2026): suspended ceilings, MF, CIS and VAT
Ceiling fixer invoice template UK for suspended ceilings, MF, plasterboard ceilings and bulkheads - CIS, VAT, householder no CIS.
Formwork invoice template UK (2026): shuttering, falsework, CIS and VAT
Formwork invoice template UK for shuttering, falsework and propping - CISR14240 erect/strike, hire vs labour, VAT, CIS, householder no CIS.
Skip hire invoice template UK (2026): wait-and-load, grab hire, CIS and VAT
Skip hire invoice template UK for drop-and-collect, wait-and-load, grab and muck-away - CIS hire-without-operator, VAT 20% on goods hire, permits, householder no CIS.
Concreter invoice template UK (2026): ready-mix, floors, CIS and VAT
Concreter invoice template UK for ready-mix, slabs and foundations - CIS materials split, free-issue notes, VAT, deposits, householder vs contractor.
Steel fixer invoice template UK (2026): rebar, mesh, cages, CIS and VAT
Steel fixer invoice template UK for rebar, mesh and cages - CIS materials split, free-issue notes, VAT, deposits, householder vs contractor.
How to register as self-employed in the UK: step-by-step for tradespeople
A no-nonsense guide to registering as self-employed in the UK. Covers HMRC registration, deadlines, National Insurance, tax allowances, and what records to keep from day one.
Allowable expenses for self-employed UK: the complete 2026 list
Every expense you can claim as a self-employed person in the UK, with exact figures for mileage, working from home, tools, clothing, and more. Includes the expenses HMRC will reject and how long to keep records.
Gross CIS payment status: how to stop tax deductions from your invoices
Under CIS, most subcontractors have 20% tax deducted from every invoice. Gross payment status lets you receive payments in full. Here is how to apply, what you need to qualify, and what to watch out for.
Tarmac invoice template UK (2026): asphalt drives, roads, CIS and VAT
Tarmac invoice template UK for asphalt drives and roadworks - CISR14320, VAT, deposits, overlay vs dig-out, householder vs contractor.
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