Accountants for the self-employed, sole traders and freelancers in London
Your tax return, accounts and Making Tax Digital handled by a qualified accountant, so you can get on with your work. Fixed fees agreed in writing before we start.
In short: AF Coopers & Co, ACCA Chartered Certified Accountants in Woodford Green, London, look after the tax and accounts of self-employed people, sole traders and freelancers. We register you with HMRC, keep your records in order, make sure you claim the expenses you are entitled to and file your Self Assessment tax return on time. Tax returns from £149 and sole trader accounts from £249.
Who we help
- Sole traders such as builders, electricians, plumbers, cleaners, hairdressers and shop owners
- Freelancers and consultants in IT, design, marketing, media, tutoring and healthcare
- Drivers and delivery riders who work through apps for taxi, private hire, parcel and food delivery work
- Online sellers and content creators earning through marketplaces and platforms
- People with a side business alongside a job, who now need to send a tax return
What we do for you
- Register you for Self Assessment, or check that you are already registered correctly
- Set up simple record keeping in Xero or QuickBooks, or work from your own records
- Prepare your sole trader accounts and make sure every allowable expense is claimed
- Prepare and file your Self Assessment tax return, and tell you what to pay and when
- Plan for your January and July payments, including payments on account
- Get you ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax when it applies to you
- Register you for VAT if your turnover goes over the threshold, and handle your VAT returns
- Tell you honestly when it is worth looking at a limited company
When you need to tell HMRC
If your total trading income is more than the £1,000 trading allowance in a tax year (6 April to 5 April), you need to tell HMRC. If you need to send a tax return for the first time, register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of that tax year. The online return and any tax due are then due by 31 January. See Self Assessment deadlines and penalties.
Drivers and delivery riders
If you drive or deliver through an app, you are usually self-employed and responsible for your own tax. Since 1 January 2024, UK digital platforms have to report sellers’ details and income to HMRC each year, and give you a copy of what they report, so it is important that your return matches. You can claim your vehicle costs either as actual costs or using flat mileage rates. Read our guide to tax for delivery riders and taxi drivers.
Making Tax Digital is coming for more sole traders
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax started on 6 April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. It extends to income over £30,000 from 6 April 2027 and over £20,000 from 6 April 2028. You will need digital records, compatible software and quarterly updates to HMRC. Use our free checker to see when it applies to you.
Prices
| Service | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Self Assessment tax return | From £149 |
| Sole trader accounts | From £249 |
| Monthly bookkeeping and VAT returns | From £99 a month |
| Making Tax Digital quarterly updates | Fixed fee confirmed in writing |
Starting prices are for straightforward cases. Your exact fee depends on your income and the state of your records, and we confirm it in writing before we start. See all our fees.
How to get started
- Free 20-minute call. Tell us what you do and what you need.
- Fixed fee in writing. We confirm the work and the fee before we start.
- We take it from there. We get your authority to deal with HMRC, collect your records and keep you on track.
Sources: gov.uk, Check if you need to tell HMRC about your income from online platforms; Selling goods or services on a digital platform; Self Assessment tax returns: deadlines; Use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Checked 6 October 2026.
Who will do the work
Your work is prepared and reviewed by our qualified accountant, Muhammad Ammar Faisal (FCCA). We have over 25 years' experience post qualification. AF Coopers & Co is registered with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). More about us.
Common questions
Do I need an accountant if I am self-employed?
You do not have to have one, but many self-employed people find it saves time and tax. We make sure you claim the expenses you are entitled to, file on time and know what to pay and when.
When do I need to register as self-employed?
If you need to send a Self Assessment tax return for the first time, tell HMRC by 5 October after the end of the tax year in which you started. For the 2025 to 2026 tax year that was 5 October 2026. If you have missed it, register now and talk to us.
Do I need to tell HMRC about small amounts of income?
If your total trading income is more than the £1,000 trading allowance in a tax year (6 April to 5 April), you need to tell HMRC. Below that you may not need to.
How much does a self-employed accountant cost?
Our Self Assessment tax returns start from £149 and sole trader accounts from £249. The exact fee depends on your records and income, and we confirm it in writing before we start.
Does Making Tax Digital apply to me?
It applies from 6 April 2026 if your qualifying income (self-employment and property turnover before expenses) was over £50,000, from 6 April 2027 if it is over £30,000, and from 6 April 2028 if it is over £20,000. Try our free checker to see where you stand.
Should I become a limited company?
Sometimes it makes sense as profits grow, but not always. It depends on your profits, how you take money out and your other income. We compare the options with your real figures.
General information only, not personal advice. Tax rules, rates and thresholds change, so please check gov.uk or speak to us about your own situation.
Self-employed? We will handle the tax
Tell us about your work and we will confirm what you need to file and what it costs. No obligation.