Plain English Guides for Contractors & Business Owners
Tax rules don't have to be complicated. We've created a series of practical, jargon-free guides to help you understand your obligations, claim what you're entitled to, and make confident financial decisions.
Why We Created These Guides
Knowledge is the best way to keep more of what you earn
Too many contractors and small business owners either over-claim (and risk HMRC scrutiny) or under-claim (and pay more tax than they should). Neither is good.
These guides give you the clarity you need to make smart decisions — and flag when you should speak to your accountant for personalised advice.
Clear Rules
We explain the HMRC rules in plain English — no jargon, no ambiguity.
Avoid Mistakes
Spot common pitfalls before they become costly HMRC problems.
Claim Correctly
Understand exactly what you're entitled to claim — and how to do it safely.
Stay Compliant
Stay confident that your claims are above board and well-documented.
The Guides
Choose the guide that's right for you
Each guide is free to download and written specifically for UK contractors, freelancers and small business owners. No fluff. Just the facts you need.
Allowable Business Expenses Guide
Know exactly what you can and can't claim as a business expense — and why. This guide explains the core HMRC principle behind allowable expenses and walks you through the most common categories with real-world examples.
- The 'wholly and exclusively' rule explained clearly
- Fully and partially allowable expenses — what's the difference?
- How sole traders and limited companies are treated differently
- Common expenses that trip people up
- What records you need to keep to stay compliant
Home Office Expenses Guide
Working from home is the norm for many contractors and business owners — but the rules for claiming home office costs can feel confusing. This guide breaks it all down in plain English so you can claim confidently and correctly.
- What counts as 'working from home' for HMRC purposes
- Flat-rate allowances vs. actual cost calculations
- Rules for sole traders vs. limited company directors
- How to calculate a fair proportion of household bills
- Common mistakes to avoid and what documentation to keep
Vehicle Allowance Guide for Contractors
Vehicle costs are often one of the most significant — and most misunderstood — business expenses for contractors and freelancers. This guide explains both claiming methods clearly, so you can choose the right approach for your situation.
- What counts as business mileage (and what doesn't)
- HMRC Approved Mileage Rates — the simple approach
- Actual cost method — when it makes more financial sense
- Rules for sole traders vs. limited companies
- Avoiding double-claiming and taxable benefit traps
IR35 Status Guide for Contractors
Understanding your IR35 status can feel complicated, but it matters for every contract you take on. This guide explains what being inside or outside IR35 means, who decides your status and which working practices matter most, so you can approach your next contract with greater confidence.
- Inside vs. outside IR35 explained in plain English
- Who’s responsible for deciding your status
- The key tests: control, substitution and mutuality of obligation
- What to do if you disagree with a client’s decision
- Practical steps to protect your position and what evidence to keep
More From The Crew
Not just guides — a full support network
Our guides are just the starting point. Explore more of the resources we’ve created to help contractors and small businesses navigate their finances with confidence.
Insights Hub
Articles, updates and commentary on the things that matter most to your business finances.
For Contractors & Freelancers
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Transparent Pricing
Clear, competitive pricing from £40/month. No hidden fees — ever.
Ready to take the next step?
Let us handle the complexity
you focus on what matters
These guides are a great starting point, but nothing replaces a conversation with a real accountant who understands your situation. Book a free, no-obligation call with The Accounting Crew today.