Dealing With Tax

People tend to dislike the notion of tax and tax inspectors: the very words Inland Revenue or Customs and Excise can make even honest people quake in their boots. However, this is unnecessary, as tax inspectors can be extremely helpful to the self-employed. So never shrink from asking HM Revenue & Customs (the new department responsible for the business of the former Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise) for advice when you're dealing with income tax.

Dealing with tax issues is an essential part of being self-employed, and in this section, we've put together a guide to help you out, from letting the taxman know that you're self-employed to getting tax-relief on your outgoings. There's also a look at becoming VAT registered and whether or not its worth it for you.