UK small business guidance

Simple business, accounting and legal guidance for UK small businesses

Step-by-step guidance to help you set up, manage and stay compliant in the UK without confusing jargon.

UK Business Focused

HMRC & Companies House aligned

Accounting & Legal Guidance

Practical compliance support

Simple Step-by-Step Support

Built for non-accountants

Compliance & Deadline Ready

Avoid missed filings & penalties

Upcoming Deadlines

  • VAT Return — Q2 2026

    Due Fri 12 Sep 2026 · HMRC

    12 days
  • Payroll RTI Submission

    Due Mon 18 May 2026 · PAYE

    3 days
  • Confirmation Statement

    Due 09 Jun 2026 · Companies House

    28 days
  • Self Assessment 2025/26

    Due 31 Jan 2027 · HMRC

    145 days
View Full Compliance Calendar

Latest UK Updates

  • HMRC raises VAT registration threshold to £90,000

    Reviewed 2 days ago · Tax

  • Companies House identity verification now mandatory

    Reviewed this week · Compliance

  • Payroll thresholds updated for 2026/27 tax year

    Updated today · Payroll

  • MTD for Income Tax extended to sole traders £30k+

    Added 09 May 2026 · Guidance

See All Updates

How StartLedger Works

1

Choose your business type

Tell us what you do and we'll tailor everything to your business.

2

Get tailored UK guidance & reminders

Step-by-step guidance, checklists and deadline alerts that keep you on track.

3

Stay compliant and avoid penalties

Understand your obligations, file on time and focus on growing your business.

Start Your Journey

Join thousands of UK business owners who stay informed, compliant and in control.

Get Started Free

No card required · Cancel anytime

What type of business do you run or want to start?

Pick a category or search for your exact business — barber, electrician, taxi driver and more.

View All Business Types

What we can help you with

Practical guidance across every part of running a UK business.

Bookkeeping

Daily records & reconciliation

VAT & Tax

Returns, thresholds & MTD

Payroll

PAYE, RTI & payslips

Business Setup

Sole trader or Ltd setup

Legal & Compliance

Contracts, GDPR & obligations

Licences & Permits

What you need to trade legally

Cash Flow

Forecasts & financial planning

Deadlines & Reminders

VAT, filing & payroll alerts

UK Business Updates

Latest compliance, payroll and tax updates affecting UK businesses.

View All Updates
22 AUG 2026Tax

HMRC announces payroll threshold update for 2026/27

New National Insurance and PAYE figures apply from 6 April 2026.

Updated todayRead update
20 AUG 2026Compliance

Companies House identity verification rules explained

Directors must verify identity before filing from autumn 2026.

This weekRead update
18 AUG 2026VAT

VAT late-filing penalties — what's changing

Points-based penalties replace the old default surcharge regime.

15 AUG 2026Reminder

Self Assessment reminders for sole traders

31 January 2027 deadline for 2025/26 returns approaching.

12 AUG 2026Guidance

MTD for Income Tax — new guidance released

Quarterly digital reporting now applies to sole traders over £30,000.

Need accounting or legal guidance?

Speak with a qualified professional about your business requirements.

Seek Professional Advice
No obligation UK-focused Practical guidance

Guidance aligned with official UK sources

  • HM Revenue
    & Customs
  • GOV.UK
  • Companies
    House
  • ico.Information
    Commissioner’s Office
  • AcasAdvice. Conciliation.
  • HSEHealth & Safety
    Executive
Last reviewed: May 2026Information updated regularly

This information is general guidance only and does not replace regulated accounting, legal or tax advice.