Sole trader accountants in Warwickshire. Everything handled, nothing missed.

David Rogers

Managing Director

Email David01926 851516

We look after hundreds of sole traders across Warwickshire and beyond. Self assessment, business accounts, tax returns and everything that comes with running your own business. One contact, fixed fees, no surprises.

Sole traders make up the largest part of what we do at Bernard Rogers. IT contractors, tradespeople, hairdressers, consultants, gardeners, landscapers, therapists and hundreds of others across Warwickshire and further afield. The work varies. The need is usually the same: someone who will handle the finances properly so the business owner does not have to.

We take care of your self assessment tax return, prepare your business accounts, advise on what expenses you can claim and make sure you are not paying more tax than you need to. You deal with one named person who knows your situation and is there when you need them.

For most of our sole trader clients, the relationship has been running for years. A number of them have been with us for more than a decade. That is not a coincidence. When someone looks after your finances well and is straightforward to deal with, there is no reason to change.

Sole traders we look after

We work with sole traders across almost every sector. A few of the most common include:

  • IT contractors and technology consultants managing IR35, limited company questions and the annual return
  • Tradespeople including builders, electricians, plumbers and decorators who need their books kept straight and their tax handled
  • Freelancers and creatives across marketing, design, photography and writing
  • Healthcare workers including locums and therapists with self-employed income to report
  • Personal trainers, coaches and wellbeing practitioners
  • Landlords with rental income to declare alongside other self-employed earnings

If your sector is not on this list, it does not matter. The fundamentals are the same and we have almost certainly worked with someone in a similar position before.

What we do for sole traders

Self assessment tax return

We prepare and file your self assessment tax return in full. We review your income and expenses, identify every relief you are entitled to, and submit well ahead of the 31 January deadline. You will know what you owe before it is due.

Sole trader accounts

We prepare your annual accounts, giving you a clear picture of your income, expenses and profit for the year. These are your business accounts, prepared properly and explained to you when they are done.

What you can claim

One of the most common conversations we have with sole traders is about expenses. Which costs are allowable, which are not, and how to keep records that support a claim. We make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to and nothing you are not.

National Insurance & income tax planning

We calculate your Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance contributions alongside your income tax and make sure your payment on account position is clear. No unexpected bills. No penalties for late payment.

Making Tax Digital

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is coming for sole traders with income above the threshold. We prepare your records and systems so you are ready when it applies to you, and we handle the transition so there is nothing you need to do other than continue running your business.

Growth & structure advice

If your business is growing and you are thinking about whether to incorporate, we will give you an honest assessment of whether a limited company makes sense for your situation. We look at the numbers, the timing and the practical implications before making any recommendation.

Fixed fees. You know what you are paying.

We agree a fixed fee before any work starts. You will know exactly what is included and what you are paying before we begin. There are no hourly rates that grow without warning and no bill at the end of the year that you were not expecting.

The fee depends on the complexity of your affairs. A sole trader with straightforward income and a small number of expenses will pay less than someone with multiple income streams, rental property and more complex claims. We will tell you what we charge before you commit to anything.

"We've been using Bernard Rogers and Co for several years for all our business group's accounting needs, and we couldn't be happier with the service. The team are always professional, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions. Highly recommend!"

Robert Hunt
Managing Director Soma Services Ltd

FAQs

Common questions about Sole trader accountants. Get in touch if there is anything else you would like to know.

Do I need an accountant as a sole trader?

You are not legally required to have one, but most sole traders find the cost is worth it. A good accountant will make sure your return is accurate, identify reliefs you might have missed, and save you the time and stress of dealing with it yourself. For many sole traders the tax saving alone covers the fee.

When do I need to file my self assessment?

The deadline for online submission is 31 January following the end of the tax year. We aim to have every client's return filed well before that deadline so you are not dealing with it at the last minute and you know your liability in good time.

What records do I need to keep?

Income received, expenses paid, and any relevant receipts or invoices. We will give you clear guidance on what to keep and the simplest way to keep it. Most clients use a basic spreadsheet or a cloud tool and share it with us throughout the year.

Can you help if I am behind on my tax returns?

Yes. If you have missed deadlines or have outstanding returns to file we can work through them with you. We deal with HMRC directly and will help you get up to date with the minimum fuss.

I am thinking about going limited. Can you advise on that?

Yes. Whether to incorporate is one of the most common questions we have with sole trader clients. We look at your income, your plans and the practical implications and give you a straight answer. There is no pressure either way.

What does it cost?

The cost depends on the complexity of your affairs. We agree a fixed fee upfront so you know exactly what you are paying. A short conversation with David is the quickest way to get a sense of the numbers.

Get in touch with David

Contact David directly, or fill out the form below and we'll be in touch ASAP.