Do I need a separate business bank account?

It is not a legal requirement for sole traders, but it makes record keeping considerably easier. Every transaction on that account is business-related by default rather than needing to be picked out from personal spending.

How long do I keep receipts?

Keep them for at least five years after the 31 January submission deadline for the relevant tax year, in line with HMRC’s requirements.

Can I keep digital copies of receipts?

Yes. HMRC accepts digital copies of receipts and invoices, so photographing or scanning paper receipts and keeping the originals only if you prefer is perfectly acceptable.

What if I lose a receipt?

Where possible, reconstruct the expense from a bank or card statement and keep a note of what it was for. It is not as strong as the original receipt, but it is far better than leaving the expense unclaimed or unrecorded.

Do I need accounting software?

No, but it removes a lot of the manual work involved in staying organised. A simple expense tracker, mileage log and monthly checklist can also be a good starting point.

Record Keeping for Self-Employed Cleaners (UK Guide)

What UK self-employed cleaners need to keep for HMRC, how long to keep it, and simple habits that make tax time less stressful.