Becoming a contractor

Taking that first step and deciding to become a contractor is an exciting time and there are lots of new changes on the horizon. You’re in charge of finding work and managing your own finances, so there’s plenty of challenges ahead to keep you busy.

Being a new contractor can be a busy time, but help is at hand. To help make the transition easy and seamless, we’ve put together some information with everything you need to know in the early days.

Whether you’re wondering what the benefits of becoming a contractor are or you’re looking for something a little more hands-on like how to form your own company, we’ve got you covered.

What Is a Sole Trader? | Benefits of a Sole Trader

In this guide, we explore the basics of working as a sole trader, including the challenges and benefits of a sole trader and their responsibilities.

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Setting up as a Sole Trader | How to Register as a Sole Trader

Are you thinking of becoming a sole trader? In this guide, we take a closer look at how to register as a sole trader.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Sole Trader

Looking to learn about becoming a sole trader? In this guide, we talk about the advantages and disadvantages of being a sole trader and how we can help.

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Umbrella or Limited Company? LTD vs PAYE Umbrella

Unsure whether to become a limited company director or work through an umbrella company? We explain how each choice could benefit you.

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Sole Trader vs Limited Company | Compare Sole Trader and LTD

When you first set up your business, you must choose whether to work as a sole trader or a limited company. Find out more and see how SJD Accountancy can help.

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How to do a self-assessment tax return

Tax returns can be complex. Our guide aims to help cut through the jargon.

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Limited Company Names | Check if Company Name is Available

If you're thinking of a name for your business, we’ve got just the thing. Our guide to naming your limited company is packed full of advice.

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Moving from Permanent to Contracting | Permanent to Contract Work

Moving from pernament to contracting can be a big change. Which is why we've created a guide to make the process easy & seamless.

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Guide to Limited Company Contracting

This guide to Limited Company Contracting explains all you need to know when you first go self-employed. Discover more and see how SJD Accountancy can help.

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Moving from Permanent to Contracting | SJD Accountancy

Thinking about contracting through your own limited company? Download our free guide to discover how easy it is to make the move.

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Accounting for Freelancers | Specialist Freelancer Accountant

As a freelancer, there are several options available when it comes to accounts. Discover why you should consider a specialist accountant.

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How to Choose an Accountant in the UK

Finding a good contractor accountant shouldn't feel impossible. In our guide, we discuss how to choose an accountant in the UK and how SJD Accountancy can help.

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Is Contracting Worth It? | Contractor Lifestyle

Is contracting really as good as it seems? We've examined the reality of life as a contractor in our helpful guide.

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Take Home Pay: Examples | SJD Accountancy

How much could you take home from being a contractor? We have compared the take home pay of a limited company to that of an umbrella company.

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Life as a First Time Contractor | SJD Accountancy

Just starting out on your own? We've detailed everything you need to know as a new contractor so you're fully prepared for self-employment.

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Contracting at RBS | RBS Contracts and IR35

If you're looking for a new job opportunity, find out how to find a contract with RBS and which business structure you should use.

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Contracting at HSBC | SJD Accountancy

Looking for your next job opportunity? Read our guide to discover why contracting for HSBC should be your next step and how to get started.

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Contractor vs Employee | SJD Accountancy

Considering contracting? Read our contractor or permanent employment guide for hints and tips on making the move.

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Guide to Online Accounting Services in the UK

Online accountancy services are popular in the UK but are they the best option? Discover more about online accountancy services and how SJD Accountancy can help

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Marketing Yourself as a Contractor | SJD Accountancy

Looking for your next contracting role? We're here to make things easier. Read our guide to find some easy ways to market yourself as a contractor.

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Our Customer Promise | SJD Accountancy

Everything we do for you has one purpose, to make your business life as simple as possible. Our aim is to put you at the heart of everything we do.

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Can I Do My Own Accounts? And iXBRL Format | SJD Accountancy

Do you need a contractor accountant? Find out just how your limited company could benefit from a helping hand with your finances.

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Contracting at AXA | SJD Accountancy

Looking for your next contracting role? Discover the opportunities available with AXA bank, along with advice on applying for a contract.

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Permanent to Contracting | Contracting through Umbrella Company

This guide explains some of the benefits of contracting and provide advice to help you decide whether going limited or umbrella is right for you.

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Contractor’s Guide to Finding a Contract | SJD Accountancy

We've put together a step-by-step guide to help you perfect your contractor CV and find your next role. Download your copy here.

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Do I Need an Accountant? | SJD Accountancy

When you work for yourself, do you need an accountant to help manage your finances? We've outlined just what a contractor accountant can do for you.

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Online Accounting Software | SJD Accountancy

What do you need to look for when it comes to online accountancy software? We have detailed exactly what you need to be looking for.

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Fixed Fee Accounting for Contractors | SJD Accountancy

If you're considering enlsiting a contractor accountant to help with your finances, discover why a fixed fee accountant could be best suited to your needs.

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Benefits of Having an Accountant | SJD Accountancy

Find a good accountant who can save you time and maximise your pay. A specialist contractor accountant will have experience in your unique situation.

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Contracting at Barclays | SJD Accountancy

Whether you have experience working in financial services or want to use your skills to move into the industry, Barclays may be the ideal next step for you.

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How to Become a Contractor | Guide to Becoming a Contractor

If you're new to self-employment and you're wondering how to get started, we've put together a guide detailing all you need to know to become a contractor.

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What is a Contractor? Guide to How Contracting Works

You may have asked, what is a contractor? We take a closer look into what a contractor is, how contracting works and why many choose this way of working.

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Guide to Being an IT Consultant | SJD Accountancy

Thinking about becoming an IT consultant? Read our guide to find out how much you could earn, the experience you'll need and more.

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How Much Do Contractors Make? | Contractor Earnings

Discover how much you could take home when you contract through your own limited company and calculate your take home pay with our handy guide.

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The Benefits of Contracting | SJD Accountancy

Thinking about going self-employed? There's lots to love about working for yourself. Discover some of the benefits of contracting in our in-depth guide.

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Contractor Day Rate | Rate Checker

Looking for guidance about what to charge as your day rate? Give our contractor rate checker a try to find your industry average.

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Guide to Paying Less Tax | SJD Accountancy

As a contractor, taxes can be a tedious process. We're sharing our insight to help you save money and pay less tax through your limited company.

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DIY Accounting | SJD Accountancy

Should you do your own accounts? We've weighed up the pros and cons along with some things you'll need to consider if you're self-employed.

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Contractor Frequently Asked Questions | SJD Accountancy

As a contractor, finding answers to your questions isn't always simple. We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to keep you in the know.

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How to Find Freelance Work

Finding your first role isn't always simple when freelancing. We've shared some tips to help you find you find work as a freelancer.

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Difference Between Contractors, Freelancers and Consultants | SJD Accountancy

Contractor, consultant or freelancer, do you know which business structure is best for you? We detail the differences and which may suit you best.

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First Timer's Guide to Contracting | SJD Accountancy

If you're new to contracting and you're unsure whether to form a limited company or use an umbrella, we've outlined the differences to help your decision.

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How to claim tax credits if you’re self-employed

We explain what they are, how to claim tax credits, and how to work out if you’re eligible for them.

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