K&R Accountants Ltd
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Industry Specialists

Freelancer & Self-Employed Accountants

Specialist accountants for freelancers, contractors, and consultants. We handle your tax returns, maximise your expenses, and help you keep more of what you earn.

Why Choose Freelancer Specialist Accountants?

Freelancing offers flexibility and independence, but the tax side can be overwhelming. From understanding which expenses you can claim to choosing between sole trader and limited company status, the decisions you make directly impact how much you keep.

K&R Accountants understands the freelancer lifestyle. We work with contractors, consultants, and self-employed professionals across all industries. We know that your income can fluctuate, that you work from home, and that you need straightforward advice without jargon.

Whether you are just starting out or have been freelancing for years, we provide the support you need to stay compliant and tax-efficient.

How We Help Freelancers

Sole Traders

  • Self Assessment tax returns
  • Maximise allowable expenses
  • Payments on account planning
  • VAT registration advice
  • Incorporation analysis when ready

Limited Company Contractors

  • Annual accounts and corporation tax
  • Optimal salary and dividend mix
  • IR35 status guidance
  • Director payroll processing
  • Pension contribution planning

Freelancers We Work With

We support freelancers and contractors across all industries.

IT ContractorsConsultantsCreative ProfessionalsWriters & EditorsMarketing FreelancersWeb DevelopersDesignersVirtual AssistantsTrainers & CoachesProject ManagersHealthcare LocumsInterim Executives

New to Freelancing?

Starting your freelance journey? We help new freelancers register correctly, understand their tax obligations, and set up efficient systems from day one.

Cloud Software for Freelancers

We are certified advisors for the leading cloud accounting platforms. The right software makes invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation effortless.

FreeAgent

Perfect for sole traders and micro-companies

Xero

Ideal for growing freelance businesses

QuickBooks

Great all-rounder with invoicing

Sage

Established platform with robust features

Freelancer Accounting FAQs

Should I operate as a sole trader or limited company?

It depends on your income level, risk exposure, and personal circumstances. Sole traders have simpler admin but pay income tax and Class 4 NI on all profits. Limited companies pay corporation tax (25%) and can extract profits as dividends (taxed lower than salary). Generally, once profits exceed £30-40k, a limited company becomes more tax-efficient. We can model both options for your situation.

What expenses can freelancers claim?

Allowable expenses include home office costs (proportion of rent, utilities, broadband), equipment and software, professional subscriptions, training related to your work, travel to client sites, professional indemnity insurance, accountancy fees, and marketing costs. We ensure you claim everything legitimately available while maintaining proper records.

What is IR35 and does it affect me?

IR35 is tax legislation targeting contractors who work like employees but operate through limited companies. If your contract is caught by IR35, you pay similar tax to employees. Since April 2021, medium and large clients determine your status for you. We can review your contracts and working practices to assess IR35 risk.

When do I need to register for VAT?

You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any 12-month period. Voluntary registration below this threshold can benefit some freelancers, especially those with significant business expenses. The Flat Rate Scheme may simplify admin for eligible businesses. We advise on the best approach for your situation.

How do I pay myself from my limited company?

Most director-shareholders take a combination of salary (up to the NI threshold to preserve State Pension entitlement) and dividends (from after-tax profits). The optimal mix depends on your personal tax position and whether you have other income. We calculate the most tax-efficient combination for each tax year.

Do I need an accountant as a freelancer?

While not legally required, professional accounting support typically saves more in tax than it costs in fees. We ensure you claim all allowable expenses, avoid penalties for errors or late filing, and structure your affairs tax-efficiently. Most freelancers find the peace of mind and time savings invaluable.

Ready to Work With Freelancer Specialists?

Contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your situation and explain how we can help you stay compliant and keep more of what you earn.