Tax and expenses guides for UK tradespeople and sole traders

Each guide covers one trade: a worked tax figure for the 2025/26 year using the free calculator's rules, the costs that trade usually claims, the one rule that catches that trade out, and the records worth keeping. The trades here were picked because they are common self-employed jobs in the UK and have a matching spreadsheet in the shop. They are not ranked by search demand.

• Plumber: A worked plumber example, the CIS deduction base, van and tool costs, and the records to keep.
• Electrician: Electrician tax worked through: test equipment, scheme fees, CIS and the van.
• Hairdresser: Chair rent, products, tools and the working-from-home flat rate, with a worked tax figure.
• Private hire driver: Vehicle costs vs the flat mileage rate and the VAT rule for owner-drivers, with a worked tax example.
• Childminder: HMRC's hours table for home costs, the MTD change from April 2026, and a worked tax example.
• Driving instructor: Franchise fees, the tuition car, the mileage-rate choice and a worked example.
• Handyman: A mixed job book: tools, materials, the van and when CIS applies.
• Window cleaner: Round income, poles and ladders, the van and recording cash payments.
• Courier driver: Parcel-rate income, van costs vs the flat rate and the records a delivery driver needs.
• Personal trainer: Gym rent, equipment, CPD and mileage to clients, with a worked tax figure.

Not on the list? The self-employed tax calculator works for any sole trader, and the expenses guide covers the general rules. Landlords and short-let hosts are taxed differently, so they are not in this batch.

These are planning guides, not tax advice. GOV.UK sources read on 21 October 2026.