Question 1

How do I register as self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Tell HMRC within 3 months of starting work for yourself. You can do it online at GOV.UK. They'll send you a UTR number and you'll be in the Self Assessment system. That's it. No forms to sign at a fancy office.

Question 2

Do I need qualifications to work on site?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the trade. Electricians need Part P registration. Gas engineers need Gas Safe. For most other trades, you don't legally need a qualification, but you'll need a CSCS card to get on nearly every site, and that means passing a health and safety test.

Question 3

What is a CSCS card and how do I get one?

Accepted Answer

A CSCS card proves you've got the right training for your role. You need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test and hold a relevant qualification or complete an assessment. Different cards for different levels. Green for labourers, blue for skilled workers, gold for supervisors. Most sites won't let you through the gate without one.

Question 4

What insurance do I need before I start?

Accepted Answer

At a minimum, Public Liability insurance. Most sites and clients demand it. If you employ anyone, Employer's Liability is a legal requirement. Tools cover and van insurance are strongly recommended.

Question 5

Do I need to register for CIS?

Accepted Answer

If you're subcontracting in construction, yes. Register with HMRC as a subcontractor under CIS, or your contractor will deduct 30% instead of 20% from your pay. It's free and takes about 15 minutes online or over the phone.

Question 6

What tools do I need to get started?

Accepted Answer

Depends entirely on your trade. A chippy needs a different kit from a spark. The basics that everyone needs: a decent tape measure, PPE (boots, hard hat, hi-vis, gloves, goggles, ear defenders), and a reliable way to get to site. Build your tool collection as you go. Don't blow your savings on day one.

Question 7

Can I work on site without a van?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes, but practically it's hard. You need to get yourself and your tools to site. Public transport doesn't work when you're carrying a mitre saw. A van is one of the first investments most trades make.

Question 8

Do I need an accountant?

Accepted Answer

You don't legally need one, but most self-employed tradespeople use one and it's money well spent. A decent accountant will save you more than they charge by making sure you claim everything you're entitled to. They'll also keep you out of trouble with HMRC.

Question 9

What's the difference between a sole trader and limited company?

Accepted Answer

A sole trader is you and your business as one thing. Simple, cheap to run, but you're personally liable for everything. A limited company is a separate legal entity with its own tax, bank account and responsibilities. More tax-efficient at higher incomes but more admin. Most subbies start as sole traders.

Question 10

How much should I be earning as a new starter?

Accepted Answer

Day rates vary massively by trade, region and experience. A first-year chippy in the Midlands earns a lot less than a spark in London with 15 years under his belt. Check what other lads in your trade and area are charging. Don't undercut yourself just to get work.

Question 11

When do I need to file my Self Assessment tax return?

Accepted Answer

Online returns are due by 31 January after the end of the tax year. The tax year runs 6 April to 5 April. So for the year ending April 2026, you file by 31 January 2027. Paper returns are due by 31 October. Miss the deadline and HMRC will fine you 100 quid straight away, with more to follow.

Question 12

What expenses can I claim as a self-employed tradesperson?

Accepted Answer

Tools, materials, van fuel, van insurance, van maintenance, phone bill (business portion), work clothing, PPE, training courses, accountant fees, public liability insurance, CSCS renewal, trade body memberships, and more. The rule is: if it's wholly and exclusively for business, you can claim it. Keep every receipt.

Question 13

How does CIS work?

Accepted Answer

Your contractor deducts tax from your labour payments (usually 20% if you're registered, 30% if you're not) and sends it to HMRC. At the end of the tax year, you file your Self Assessment and either owe more tax, or more often, you're due a refund because your expenses bring your profit below what was deducted.

Question 14

How do I get a CIS refund?

Accepted Answer

File your Self Assessment tax return. When you add up your CIS deductions and subtract your actual tax liability (after expenses), the difference is your refund. HMRC sends it to your bank account. Make sure you've got all your CIS deduction statements from your contractors. No statements, no proof.

Question 15

What's the difference between 20% and 30% CIS deductions?

Accepted Answer

20% is the standard rate for subcontractors who are registered with CIS. 30% is the rate for those who aren't registered. That extra 10% is money you'll never see again unless you file a return. Get registered. It's free.

Question 16

What is gross payment status and how do I get it?

Accepted Answer

Gross payment status means your contractor pays you the full amount with nothing deducted. You need a clean compliance record with HMRC (returns filed on time, tax paid on time), your business turnover needs to meet a minimum threshold, and you apply using form CIS304. Worth having if you manage your own cash flow well.

Question 17

Do I need to register for VAT?

Accepted Answer

Only if your turnover goes above the VAT threshold (currently 90,000 per year). Below that, it's voluntary. If most of your clients are VAT-registered businesses, being VAT-registered can actually help because you can reclaim VAT on your purchases. Talk to your accountant.

Question 18

What is the Flat Rate Scheme?

Accepted Answer

A simplified way of doing VAT. Instead of tracking VAT on every invoice and receipt, you pay HMRC a fixed percentage of your gross turnover. The percentage depends on your trade category. It saves admin and can save money if your costs are low. But do the maths first because it can also cost you more.

Question 19

What is Reverse Charge VAT?

Accepted Answer

A rule that applies to VAT-registered construction businesses supplying services to other VAT-registered construction businesses. Instead of the subbie charging VAT on the invoice, the contractor accounts for it. You show "reverse charge" on your invoice and don't add VAT. It was brought in to stop VAT fraud.

Question 20

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

Accepted Answer

HMRC's plan to make everyone keep digital records and file tax returns through compatible software. Already live for VAT. Coming for income tax. When it kicks in for self-employed people, you'll submit quarterly updates to HMRC instead of one annual return. Start keeping digital records now so you're ready.

Question 21

What are Payments on Account?

Accepted Answer

Advance payments towards your next year's tax bill. HMRC assumes you'll earn the same again, so they make you pay half in January and half in July. Catches loads of people out in year two when you suddenly owe this year's tax plus half of next year's. Budget for it.

Question 22

Can I claim for my van on my tax return?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you use it solely for work, you can claim the full cost as a capital allowance (using AIA). If you use it for personal trips too, you can only claim the business proportion. You can also claim fuel, insurance, repairs, servicing and MOT. Keep a mileage log if HMRC ever asks.

Question 23

Should I charge day rates or price work?

Accepted Answer

Both have their place. Day rates give you certainty but limit your earning potential. Price work rewards speed and efficiency, but you carry the risk if the job takes longer. Most experienced subbies prefer price work because they make more per hour. New starters often begin on day rates until they can estimate accurately.

Question 24

How do I set my day rate?

Accepted Answer

Look at what others in your trade and area are charging. Factor in your overheads (van, tools, insurance, tax, pension, holidays) and the income you need to live on. Remember you're not getting holiday pay, sick pay or a pension from anyone else. A common mistake is matching employed rates without adding on the self-employed extras.

Question 25

How do I write a proper quote?

Accepted Answer

Break it down: labour, materials, waste removal, any hire costs. Be specific about what's included and what isn't. Put a validity date on it. Add your payment terms. A vague quote leads to vague expectations and arguments.

Question 26

What is retention and how do I get it back?

Accepted Answer

Retention is money (usually 5%) held back from your payments as security. Half is released at practical completion, the rest at the end of the defects period (usually 6-12 months later). To get it back, make sure you've fixed any snags and submit a formal request. Chase it. Don't let them sit on your money.

Question 27

What can I do about late payment?

Accepted Answer

You've got legal rights. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act, you can charge interest (8% plus the Bank of England base rate) and claim compensation (40-100 quid depending on the debt size). Send a formal letter before action. If that doesn't work, you can go to small claims court for debts under 10,000.

Question 28

Do I need a written contract?

Accepted Answer

You don't legally need one for every small job, but you'd be daft not to have something in writing. It doesn't have to be a 50-page JCT form. Even an email confirming the scope, price, payment terms and timescales gives you something to fall back on if it goes wrong.

Question 29

What is a variation and how do I handle it?

Accepted Answer

A variation is any change to the agreed scope of work. Extra work, different materials, design changes. Get it agreed in writing with a price before you do the work. Verbal agreements on site turn into "I never asked for that" when the invoice arrives.

Question 30

How do I deal with a client who won't pay?

Accepted Answer

Start with a polite reminder. Then a formal written demand referencing the Late Payment Act. If that doesn't work, letter before action giving 14 days. Then small claims court (under 10k) or adjudication if there's a construction contract. Don't keep working for someone who isn't paying you.

Question 31

What's the difference between a quote and an estimate?

Accepted Answer

A quote is a fixed price. You're committing to do the work for that amount. An estimate is a rough guide that can go up or down. Most clients think they're the same thing. Make it crystal clear which one you're giving. If it's a quote, make sure you've measured and priced everything properly.

Question 32

Should I ask for a deposit?

Accepted Answer

For materials-heavy jobs, absolutely. 20-30% upfront for materials is standard practice. No one expects you to fund their kitchen out of your own pocket. For labour-only work, stage payments tied to progress are more common. Never do a full job upfront on the promise of payment at the end.

Question 33

What is Public Liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

It covers you if you cause injury to someone or damage their property while working. If you drill through a water pipe and flood someone's house, or a member of the public trips over your gear, PL covers the claim. Most policies start at 1 million and go up to 10 million. Almost every client and site will ask for it.

Question 34

Do I need Employer's Liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

If you employ anyone at all, yes, it's a legal requirement. Even one employee, even part-time, even a family member. Minimum cover is 5 million. Fine for not having it is up to 2,500 per day. If you're a genuine one-person band with no employees, you don't need it.

Question 35

Does my van insurance cover my tools?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many standard van policies exclude tools or have very low limits (500-1,500). If you've got thousands of pounds of tools in your van, check your policy carefully. You might need a separate tools-in-transit or tools cover policy.

Question 36

How much does trade insurance cost?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your trade, turnover, number of employees and the level of cover. A sole trader plasterer with basic PL might pay 150-300 a year. A roofing contractor with employees could pay several thousand. Get multiple quotes and compare what's actually covered, not just the price.

Question 37

What is Professional Indemnity insurance?

Accepted Answer

Covers you if your professional advice or design causes financial loss to a client. Most relevant if you do any design work, surveys, or consultancy. If you're a spark designing a lighting scheme and it doesn't meet regs, PI covers the cost of putting it right.

Question 38

What is Contractor's All Risk insurance?

Accepted Answer

Covers damage to the works during construction. Fire, storm, theft, vandalism, accidental damage. On bigger contracts, the client might arrange this, but on smaller jobs it might be down to you. Check your contract to see who's responsible.

Question 39

What should I do if I need to make a claim?

Accepted Answer

Report it to your insurer as soon as possible. Document everything with photos and notes. Don't admit liability. Don't try to fix it before the insurer has seen it (unless it's an emergency). The quicker you report, the smoother the process.

Question 40

What is run-off cover and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Run-off cover protects you against claims made after you've stopped working or cancelled your policy. If you did a job three years ago and someone claims now, run-off cover has your back. Most relevant for PI insurance. Worth thinking about if you're retiring or closing down.

Question 41

What are RAMS and do I need them?

Accepted Answer

RAMS stands for Risk Assessments and Method Statements. The risk assessment identifies the hazards and how likely they are to cause harm. The method statement describes how you'll do the work safely. Most main contractors will ask for your RAMS before you set foot on site. Even on smaller jobs, having them shows you take safety seriously.

Question 42

What is COSHH and when does it apply?

Accepted Answer

COSHH covers any substance that could harm your health. Cement dust, silica, solvents, adhesives, wood dust, paint fumes. If you're using any hazardous substance on a job, you need a COSHH assessment that says what the substance is, what harm it can do, and how you're controlling the risk. Data sheets from manufacturers are your starting point.

Question 43

What are the CDM 2015 regulations?

Accepted Answer

CDM stands for Construction Design and Management. It's the main health and safety framework for construction projects. It puts duties on clients, designers, principal designers, principal contractors and contractors. Even domestic clients have duties now, though they usually pass them to the contractor. If you're working on any construction project, CDM applies to you.

Question 44

What do I need to know about working at height?

Accepted Answer

Falls from height are the biggest killer in construction. The Work at Height Regulations say: avoid it if you can, use the safest equipment if you can't, and always plan for emergencies. Scaffolds, MEWPs, podiums, even ladders all have specific rules. Edge protection, harnesses, safety nets. Never take shortcuts at height.

Question 45

What should I do if I find asbestos?

Accepted Answer

Stop work immediately. Don't touch it, don't disturb it, don't try to remove it yourself. Clear the area, tell the site manager or client, and get it tested by a specialist. If it's confirmed, only a licensed asbestos contractor can remove most types. Breathing in asbestos fibres can kill you 20-40 years later.

Question 46

What is a toolbox talk?

Accepted Answer

A short safety briefing on site, usually 10-15 minutes, covering one specific topic. Could be anything from manual handling to dust control to vehicle movements. The person delivering it records who attended and what was covered. A good toolbox talk stops complacency creeping in.

Question 47

What training do I need for health and safety?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, you need the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for your CSCS card. Beyond that, it depends on your role. Supervisors need SSSTS. Site managers need SMSTS. Working at height, asbestos awareness, first aid, manual handling and fire safety are common ones.

Question 48

What is a near miss and why should I report it?

Accepted Answer

A near miss is something that could have caused injury or damage but didn't. A loose tile that falls off a scaffold and lands in an empty area. A near miss today is an accident tomorrow. Report it so the hazard can be dealt with. Good sites take near misses as seriously as actual incidents.

Question 49

How do I know if I'm really self-employed?

Accepted Answer

It comes down to three tests: control (do you decide how and when to work?), substitution (can you send someone in your place?), and financial risk (do you stand to make a loss?). If you tick all three, you're likely self-employed. If the person paying you controls your hours, tells you exactly how to do the work, and you can't send a substitute, you might actually be a worker or employee in the eyes of the law.

Question 50

What is IR35 and does it affect me?

Accepted Answer

IR35 is a set of tax rules that target people who work like employees but operate through their own company or as self-employed to pay less tax. If your working arrangement looks like employment, HMRC can treat it as employment for tax purposes. For medium and large private sector clients, the client decides your status. For small clients, you decide.

Question 51

Am I entitled to holiday pay as a subbie?

Accepted Answer

If you're genuinely self-employed, no. You don't get holiday pay, you build it into your rates. If you're actually a worker (even if your contract says self-employed), you are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday. The legal definition of worker is broader than most people think.

Question 52

What is an umbrella company?

Accepted Answer

A company that employs you and handles your payroll while you work through agencies. You're technically their employee, so you get PAYE deductions, holiday pay and employment rights. Some are fine. Some are dodgy and use schemes to skim your money. Check what you're actually getting paid versus what the client pays for you.

Question 53

Can I be sacked unfairly as a subbie?

Accepted Answer

If you're genuinely self-employed, you can't be "sacked" because you're not employed. Your contract can be terminated according to its terms. If you're actually a worker or employee (regardless of what your contract says), you may have unfair dismissal rights after two years of continuous service.

Question 54

What is the National Minimum Wage and does it apply to me?

Accepted Answer

If you're genuinely self-employed, no. You can earn whatever you negotiate. If you're actually a worker, you're entitled to at least the NMW. The rate depends on your age. If you suspect you're being paid below minimum wage despite being classed as a worker, HMRC can investigate.

Question 55

What should I do if I think I've been misclassified?

Accepted Answer

If you're being treated as self-employed but your working arrangement looks like employment, get advice. ACAS is free and confidential. You may be entitled to holiday pay, sick pay, minimum wage and other rights you've been missing out on. You can also use the CEST tool on GOV.UK to check your status.

Question 56

What are my rights if I'm working through an agency?

Accepted Answer

After 12 weeks on the same assignment, you're entitled to the same basic pay and conditions as directly hired workers doing the same job. From day one, you have the right to be told about permanent vacancies, access to shared facilities and breaks. These are under the Agency Workers Regulations.

Question 57

How much should I budget for running a van?

Accepted Answer

Rule of thumb: budget 400-600 a month for everything. That covers finance or depreciation, fuel, insurance, tax, servicing, MOT, tyres and repairs. A brand new van on finance will be more. An older van you own outright will be less on payments but more on repairs. Track your actual costs for a few months.

Question 58

Should I buy or lease my van?

Accepted Answer

Buying gives you an asset and no monthly commitments once it's paid off. Leasing keeps your monthly costs predictable and you get a newer, more reliable van. Leasing can be more tax-efficient for limited companies. For sole traders, the AIA on a purchased van can give you a big tax deduction in year one. Talk to your accountant.

Question 59

How do I handle taking holiday when I'm self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Nobody's paying you to sit on a beach. Build holiday time into your rates. If you charge 200 a day for 230 working days, that's 46,000. But if you want 4 weeks off, you only work 210 days, so your rate needs to cover the same income in fewer days. Budget for it and actually take the time off.

Question 60

How do I price work properly?

Accepted Answer

Measure everything. Work out your material costs, add waste (10-15% is normal). Calculate how long the job will take you honestly, not optimistically. Multiply by your hourly or daily rate, which should already include your overheads, tax, holiday and profit margin. Then add a contingency.

Question 61

How do I find new clients?

Accepted Answer

Word of mouth is king in the trades. Do good work, be reliable, be tidy. Beyond that: local Facebook groups, Google Business profile, Checkatrade or MyBuilder (if the maths works for you), networking with other trades who can refer work, and repeat business from existing clients.

Question 62

Should I use social media for my business?

Accepted Answer

It works for some trades better than others. Before-and-after photos of kitchens, bathrooms and extensions do well on Instagram and Facebook. You don't need to be a content creator. Just show your work, post regularly and respond to messages. A Google Business profile is probably more important for getting found locally.

Question 63

How do I deal with difficult clients?

Accepted Answer

Everything in writing. Confirm scope, price and timescales before you start. If they want changes, get them agreed in writing with a revised price. If they're being unreasonable, stay professional and refer to your agreement. If they refuse to pay, follow the late payment process.

Question 64

What records do I need to keep?

Accepted Answer

All invoices (in and out), receipts for every business expense, bank statements, CIS deduction statements, mileage records, quotes and contracts. Keep them for at least 5 years. HMRC can go back further if they suspect fraud. Digital is fine. A shoebox of receipts works too, but digital is better.

The questions UK tradespeople actually ask — with straight answers.

Getting Started

Tax and CIS

Getting Paid

Insurance

Health and Safety

Employment Rights

Running Your Business

Training and Cards

Building Regs and Planning

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