Guides
Guides for homeowners and tradespeople
Plain-English answers built on official data. For research and statistics, see our data reports.
VAT for tradespeople: threshold, reverse charge and rates
When trades must register for VAT, the construction reverse charge, 0% and 5% rates on building work, and the Flat Rate Scheme.
Read the guideHow to close a limited company (DS01)
Strike-off with DS01, the conditions, a step-by-step checklist, and when you need liquidation instead.
Read the guideTrade business names: ideas from 330,000 UK trade companies
What builders, electricians, plumbers and roofers call their companies, naming ideas, and how to check a name is free.
Read the guideCIS registration: how to register as a subcontractor
What you need, 20% vs 30% deductions, gross payment status and how to claim deductions back.
Read the guideSelf-employed tax calculator for tradespeople
Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance on your profit, what to put aside each month, payments on account and CIS.
Read the guideCompany dissolved: what it means and how to restore it
What happens to a dissolved company's debts and assets, restoring it with RT01 or a court order, and what to do if it was your builder.
Read the guideDividend tax calculator and salary vs dividend split
2026/27 dividend tax rates, what you'll pay, and the best salary and dividend mix for your company profit.
Read the guideCIS calculator: deductions and tax refund
Work out the CIS deduction on an invoice and estimate your year-end CIS tax refund.
Read the guideActive proposal to strike off: what it means and what to do
Compulsory and voluntary (DS01) strike-off, the Gazette timeline, how to object, and the CF14 8LH default address.
Read the guideSole trader or limited company? The 2026/27 answer for tradespeople
Free calculator comparing take-home pay, plus CIS, liability and when a limited company pays off.
Read the guideThe highest paid trades in the UK
Official ONS salaries for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers and more, with hourly rates and pay ranges.
Read the guide