You've taken the leap. Let's get the foundations right.
The first year in business is full of new decisions. The tax side shouldn't be one you have to work out alone.
Where you are
The questions on your mind
- “Do I need to register with HMRC?”
- “What can I claim as an expense?”
- “How much should I set aside for tax?”
You're not the first to ask — and they all have clear answers.
What matters
What you need to know
Registering on time
If you are newly self-employed, you need to register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of the tax year you started trading.
Keeping the right records
Income, expenses, receipts and mileage need to be kept from day one — and for at least five years after the filing deadline.
Planning for the tax bill
Your first bill can include payments on account for the following year, which often catches new traders by surprise.
How we help
What Howarths does for you
- Set-up conversationWe register you with HMRC if needed and explain what you're responsible for, in plain English.
- Records that work for youWe discuss your existing software and records, and agree whether you keep the books or hand the bookkeeping over. Software subscriptions are separate.
- Support along the wayAsk everyday questions on WhatsApp. If you want bookkeeping and tax estimate updates too, choose the Full Service MTD package.
What it costs
From £50 / month
A clear fee for an agreed scope. Choose the services you need; we explain what is included and discuss additional work before it starts.
See the full pricingGreat value.
Even better conversations.
Your accountant shouldn’t feel like someone you only hear from once a year. WhatsApp is our preferred way to keep in touch: smaller questions, more often, and conversations that actually move things forward.
A clear fee pays for the work. Staying connected makes that work more useful to you.
Let’s talk about what you needAsk it while it’s on your mind.
Talk it through.
Understand your next move.
More contact. More context. Better conversations.
Better support. A fee that makes sense.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Tell us where you are and we’ll agree the right support and a clear fee, with someone alongside you as questions come up.