Tax Guides
Self-Employed National Insurance: Rates and Rules for 2026/27
Guide to self-employed National Insurance contributions in the UK, covering Class 2 and Class 4 rates, thresholds, and strategies to reduce your NI bill.
2 min read
Our blog is where we share tips, guides, and insights to help freelancers and small business owners manage expenses, stay tax-ready, and grow their business.
Guide to self-employed National Insurance contributions in the UK, covering Class 2 and Class 4 rates, thresholds, and strategies to reduce your NI bill.
Claiming meal and subsistence expenses in the UK is more restrictive than in many other countries. HMRC applies strict rules about when travel food costs are deductible and completely bans deductions for client entertainment.
If your business is VAT-registered, HMRC requires detailed records of all VAT charged and paid. This guide covers the three types of VAT invoices, documentation requirements, and how Making Tax Digital affects VAT record keeping.
Compare HMRC's flat rate and actual costs methods for claiming work-from-home tax relief in the UK, with worked numerical examples to help you decide.