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Home / Accountant for Self-Employed

Accountants for the self-employed

Find an accountant for self-employed people and freelancers

When you work for yourself, nobody withholds your taxes, and the rules on deductions, estimated payments and records are easy to get wrong. An accountant who specializes in self-employed clients can keep you compliant and help you keep more of what you earn.

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What an accountant does for the self-employed

  • Prepares your annual return: Schedule C and self-employment tax in the USA, Self Assessment in the UK
  • Works out quarterly or advance tax payments so you are not hit with a big bill or penalties
  • Finds legitimate deductions: home office, equipment, software, travel, mileage and more
  • Sets up simple record keeping and an app that fits how you work
  • Advises on structure, such as when an LLC, S corp election or limited company makes sense
  • Helps with retirement saving options for the self-employed, such as a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) in the USA

Self-employed tax in the USA

As a freelancer or 1099 worker you pay self-employment tax of 15.3% on most of your net earnings (Social Security and Medicare) on top of income tax, because there is no employer paying half. You are usually expected to pay estimated taxes quarterly, with due dates around April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15. Underpaying can mean penalties even if you pay in full in April.

Our self-employment tax calculator gives you a quick estimate, and the home office deduction calculator compares the simplified and regular methods.

Self-employed tax in the UK

Sole traders register for Self Assessment and file a return each year, with the online deadline on 31 January after the end of the tax year. You pay Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance on your profits, often with two "payments on account" towards the next year's bill. If your trading income is under £1,000 a year, the trading allowance may mean you do not need to register.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is being phased in from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with higher incomes, starting at over £50,000, which means digital records and quarterly updates. An accountant can set this up for you. See our Self Assessment accountant guide.

How much does it cost?

Accountants for the self-employed usually charge a fixed fee for the annual return, or a monthly package that also covers quarterly estimates, bookkeeping review and year-round questions. The fee is often less than the tax and penalties a good accountant helps you avoid, and in most cases the fee itself is a deductible business expense.

How to choose one

  1. Self-employed specialism

    Look for an accountant whose clients are mostly freelancers, creators or sole traders, not only large companies.

  2. Your type of work

    Rideshare drivers, creatives, consultants and tradespeople all have different deductions. Ask about clients like you.

  3. Qualification

    Every listing shows the professional body and membership number, so you can check it.

  4. Clear fixed pricing

    Ask what is included, and whether quarterly estimates and questions during the year cost extra.

Tell us what you need

Free and no obligation. We pass your request to up to 3 suitable accountants, and they contact you directly.

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Common questions

Not always. If your income is simple and you are comfortable with the rules, software may be enough. An accountant is worth it once your income grows, you have mixed income, you are unsure about deductions, or you have missed estimated payments.
A common rule of thumb in the USA is 25% to 30% of your profit for federal and state income tax and self-employment tax, but it depends on your income and state. An accountant can calculate a more accurate figure.
Generally, costs that are ordinary and necessary for your business, such as equipment, software, a share of home office costs, business travel, mileage, professional fees and marketing. Personal costs are not deductible. Keep receipts and records.
An LLC can separate business and personal liability. Electing S corp tax status can reduce self-employment tax once profits are high enough to justify a reasonable salary and payroll costs. An accountant can run the numbers for you.
The online return and any tax owed are due by 31 January after the end of the tax year on 5 April. Paper returns are due by 31 October. Late filing triggers an automatic £100 penalty.

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