Self Assessment becomes much easier when records are organised throughout the year instead of rebuilt in January.
Sole trader Self Assessment checklist
Before you file, collect:
- all invoices issued in the tax year
- records of customer payments
- allowable business expenses
- receipt uploads or scanned copies
- mileage logs
- payroll summaries if you employ people
- project income and costs
- accountant notes or adjustments
Income records
Start with your invoices, payment records and customer list. Make sure invoice numbers, dates and amounts match your records.
Expense records
Use expenses, receipt uploads and Controlled Statement Import to organise costs into reviewable categories. If an expense depends on personal circumstances, check HMRC guidance or ask your accountant.
Mileage and projects
A mileage tracker helps keep trip purpose, distance and allowance calculations tidy. Projects can help show whether a job made profit or loss.
Before submitting anything
Review every number. Estimates and summaries are helpful, but you stay responsible for the final return.
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