
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have announced the launch of a new interactive online tool and clearer guidance for those who are already self-employed and those considering it.
The new tool explains what records a self-employed person may need to keep, taxes that may apply to their business, and includes other useful information, such as how to pay a tax bill.
HMRC’s new Set Up as a sole trader: step by step guide can help people who work for themselves understand the situations in which they may need to register as a sole trader and how they can do so.
The tools can be used on an anonymous basis and are only for information purposes. Using them will not result in being registered as self-employed, and the government have said that they do not collect or store any information about the user.
If you are unsure about whether you may need to register as self-employed, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-support-for-small-business-from-hmrc

The UK government is facing a fresh financial squeeze after long-term borrowing costs climbed to their highest level in a generation. The yield on 30-year government bonds (known as gilts) has reached 5.72% – the highest since 1998.

After three years of losses, it’s been reported that Royal Mail has returned to profit under its new owner, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.