Author

Ross Bramble

Content Executive

Bio

Ross joined Crunch in early 2018 having completed a journalism course at the University of Portsmouth. As our Content Executive, Ross writes nearly all of the copy you see on our website, in our emails and newsletters, and in many of our Knowledge articles.

SEO is another huge part of Ross’ role here at Crunch, and he enjoys the challenge of maximising the coverage and visibility of our helpful resources.

Ross is an avid gamer and, in his spare time, manages his own personal videogame blog and his own YouTube channel.

Accreditations & Qualifications

BA (Hons): Journalism

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Articles, Knowledge and Guides

Posts by Ross Bramble

Example of a sole trader tax return

Getting ready to file your first sole trader tax return? Get a look at the Self Assessment form and discover the information you need to file an accurate return.

Tax implications and guidelines for eBay sellers

eBay is the perfect way to move on your old stuff, and still make a little money back. But at what point do your eBay earnings become of interest to HMRC?

What is a P800 and how does HMRC calculate it?

HMRC makes P800 tax calculations when they believe there’s been a discrepancy between what tax you’ve paid and what you owe. But are they always accurate?

Essential tax documents you need to keep when you’re self-employed

Learn what the essential tax documents for self-employed individuals are, with a guide to meeting HMRC requirements and how Crunch's online accounting helps.

How to amend your Self Assessment tax return

Made an error or missed something off your Self Assessment? Discover how to amend your tax return and guarantee you’re filing the most accurate return possible.

Understanding the SA105 Form for property income

The SA105 Form is a vital document for those earning an income from property owned and leased in the UK. Find out how to complete the document, how to file it with HMRC, and when to submit it.

How to complete a sole trader Self Assessment

Getting ready to submit your first Self Assessment for sole traders? We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to walk you through the process, from registration to submission.

How to organise and maintain your tax receipts

Organising and maintaining your business receipts for tax submissions is a critical aspect of self-employment. Find out how to stay on top of your bookkeeping with these simple tips.

How to pay National Insurance when you’re self-employed

Salaried workers have their National Insurance contributions deducted from their monthly pay – but how do the self-employed pay National Insurance?

How to start a business - what do you need to know?

If you're looking to start a business here are all the I’s you'll have to dot, and all the T’s you'll have to cross to give you the best chance of success.|If you're looking to start a business here are all the I’s you'll have to dot, and all the T’s you'll have to cross to give you the best chance of success.

How to set up a small business while working on the side.

Are you interested in a spot of moonlighting alongside your regular job? Our guide gives you the lowdown on how you can go about this and the pros and cons.

How to market yourself as a locum doctor

As a freelance or locum doctor, you are effectively now a business. Discover how to get booked and get the rates you deserve.

How to keep on top of your expenses as a plumber

As a plumber, you can claim tools and business equipment back as an expense, but how do you what you can and can't claim?

How to invoice your clients

You've pitched, landed the job, delivered your work...and now it's time to get your money. But how do you do that? Here's how.

How to find clients as an electrician

For electricians and other tradespeople whose construction careers often live and die by word-of-mouth, struggling to find work can be especially difficult.

How to find your gap in the market

Looking to find your gap in the self-employed market? Here's how do you identify your niche among the self-employed community and stress-test your idea.

How to deal with losing your first client

There’s no use trying to avoid it, so here are the stories of successful freelancers who've built careers on top of the wreckage of their first contract.

How to deal with difficult or unreasonable clients

Spending hours feeling angry or annoyed or stressed is damaging to your health. Wouldn’t your time be better spent working with a supportive client?

How to build your brand and tell your story

Successful brands have always told stories about themselves, but how do you tell your story and build your brand? Create better content today!

What is crowdfunding and how do you record investment in your company accounts?

What is the best way to account for money you have raised through Crowdfunding? We look at the best ways to account for this type of investment.

How the upcoming Making Tax Digital changes affect your business

Updates to the government's Making Tax Digital (MTD) scheme are coming to VAT, Income Tax and Corporation Tax over the next few years.

How much should I charge clients?

How much should I charge is one of the first questions freelancers ask themselves. We explain how to calculate your day rate.

How long should company records be retained for?

A limited company director must keep company records, as well as financial and accounting records. You must keep these records for six years.

How Britain's tea economy pushed the world to boiling point

It's no secret the British love tea. But it's also interesting to know that our tea consumption is driving factor for the economy. We explore.

Holidays when self-employed: can you get away with getting away?

You deserve a holiday - but one in four freelance workers take no annual holiday at all. We explain why you should take a break.

Health and safety for the self-employed

When you're self-employed, health and safety in the workplace isn't always at the forefront of your mind - but it should be.

Freelancer or agency: what should you call yourself?

What's the difference between working as a freelancer or working as an agency worker? And what is best for your small business? We take a look.

Best freelance job sites that actually pay well

There are so many ways to earn money online, including through freelance job websites. Let’s look at some of the common sites, and tips for getting work that pays well.

Five things to consider when becoming an IT contractor

Leaving a steady job to become an IT contractor or IT consultant can be hard, but there are steps you can take to make the transition easier.

Five habits of awesome freelancers

Everyone falls into certain habits when freelancing. Some are good, some are bad. Here are some good ones to help you run your business efficiently.

Failing to take care of legal issues costing UK SMEs £13.6 billion per year

Jo Fortune of Lawbite explains how UK SMEs are struggling due to reluctance to get better legal cover, and how doing this can save your business money.

The £5,000 UK Employment Allowance explained

Can your business claim the £4,000 Employment Allowance towards your NI Bill? Get all the details on eligibility, how much you can claim, and how to claim.

Eight clauses your freelance contract shouldn’t be without

To avoid a contractual calamity, here are eight must-have clauses for your freelance contract, explained without the jargon.

Do I have to complete a Self Assessment tax return?

A Self Assessment tax return is one of the most significant tax documents you’ll be dealing with when you’re self-employed. Here's what you need to know.

How to deal with late payment excuses

Breaking down four of the main late payment excuses you will hear when running your own business, and what you can say and do to overcome them.

Critical illness cover and Income Protection - what business owners need to know

As a contractor or freelancer, you won't have access to Sick Pay if you get ill. Income Protection or Critical Illness Cover could be the solution.

Could a limited company be the right choice for locum doctors?

A locum doctor can provide work under a variety of different guises, including as a limited company. We take a look at the pros and cons.

Security clearance: a guide for contractors

If you fancy throwing your hat into the ring for certain Government contract jobs, you'll need some form of security clearance. We explain all.

Do you call yourself a consultant or a contractor (and why does it matter)?

What's the difference between a Consultant or Contractor? It can make a huge impact to your prestige, and pay! Here's an explanation of the differences.

Conference season is upon us - make sure you're tax efficient!

What expenses can you claim when your business attends conferences? We explore the different ways to ensure you're tax-efficient.

Can I claim a Christmas party as a business expense?

If you're a director of a limited company, you can claim up to £150 as a business expense for a Christmas party - even a virtual one! There are some strict rules, though.

Can IR35 contractors still work through a limited company?

The government’s reform of IR35 rules is forcing many contractors operating personal service companies to review their options.

Can I make pension contributions through my limited company?

Pension contributions are one of the few remaining tax breaks available to limited companies. It makes sense to take advantage of this tax break.

Cake or biscuit: VAT's the difference

Is a Jaffa Cake a cake, or a biscuit? It took a case in court to come up with a full answer. Find out the answer here.

Why working collaboratively is good for your business

Businesses working together to form a bigger power than they could be alone. Here's why you should consider jumping on the bandwagon.

The surprising truth about Britain's most dangerous jobs

Office workers are frequently told that their sedentary lifestyle is causing them injuries, but you'll be surprised by some of the professions on this list.

Best LinkedIn profile tips for freelancers and the self-employed looking for work on LinkedIn

From choosing the best LinkedIn profile picture to nailing your headline, our tips will help freelancers and the self-employed find work on LinkedIn.

Benefits of paying Corporation Tax early

Corporation Tax is the tax levied on the profits of limited companies. But what are the benefits of paying this tax early?

Five tips for graduates going self-employed

If you’re an undergraduate and looking at the job market with dread, start taking small steps now to earning an income. Here's how.

15 attributes every business owner should have

In no particular order, here are 15 personality traits that, when properly harnessed, can lead you to business success!

10 ways to stress-test your small business idea

It's important to stress-test your small business idea for fatal flaws before you become self-employed. Here at 10 ways to stress-test your idea.

10 steps to successfully simplify your small business accounting

Taking care of your small business accounting can be a little daunting for complete newcomers, but the process isn’t as scary as you might think.

Why there's never a perfect time to start your business

They say that if you’re waiting for the perfect time, you’ll be waiting forever, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to starting your own business.

Who am I? Freelancer, contractor, consultant or small business

If you are self-employed, you might think you have a clear answer to this questions. However, it's not as simple as that. We take a look.

Why businesses fail - and how you can avoid it happening to you

Those who don't learn from history are condemned to repeat it. If you don’t have an understanding of why businesses fail, your startup is doomed.

Who determines your IR35 status and who pays employment taxes?

Following changes introduced by HMRC, responsibility for determining your IR35 status is mostly, the same for both the private & public sectors.

What to do if you're made redundant

What can you do if you're made redundant, especially in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic? Don't panic - it could be a great opportunity, here are some options.

What to do if HMRC ask for proof of your employment (IR35) status

HMRC's recent IR35 email campaign to GSK clients has raised a few eyebrows - but what should you do if HMRC ask for proof of your employment status?

What is the COVID-19 Recovery Loan Scheme and who can apply?

The COVID-19 Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) officially launched on 6th April 2021, to support businesses as they recover from the disruption caused by COVID-19.

What is VAT reverse charge in the construction sector?

If you’re in the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and VAT registered, HMRC are changing how you account for VAT.

What is Child Benefit?

Child Benefit is a benefit payable to someone responsible for a child under the age of 16, or 20 if they’re in full-time education. Here's the low-down.

What is a sole trader? A great way to start being self-employed.

A sole trader is someone who runs their own business as an individual, and is self-employed. Find out more about how it works in this jargon-free article!

What is a Postgraduate Master’s Loan?

Postgraduate Master’s Loans were introduced by the government to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course.

What is a freelance recruitment agency?

What do recruiters do and what are the benefits of joining an agency as a freelancer? We take a look at the pros and cons.

What is a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)?

If the time has come to close your business, there's a tax efficient method called a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation - or an MVL for short.

What is a freelancer and how do you become one?

With more people than ever becoming self-employed, Crunch looks at the reality of going freelance in this guide, including what is a freelancer and how to make money freelance.

What are the requirements of a registered office?

When you set up a limited company, you’ll need to provide your registered office, your business address, and your service address.

What are the best portfolio sites for freelance writers?

You've spent weeks on a piece of work and you justifiably want to show it off to prospective clients - what's the best way?

What is a benefit in kind?

Benefits in kind (BIKs)n are benefits that employees or directors receive from their company which aren’t included in their salary or wages. Crunch explores how benefits in kind are taxed in this guide.

What are Tax Credits and how can they help my limited company?

Tax credits are an incentive for people to remain in low-waged employment instead of seeking similar benefits in unemployment.

Late payments - how do you chase an unpaid invoice?

Late payments can cost you business. Here's a few ways to chase an unpaid invoice without chasing your client away.

VAT - what is disaggregation (artificial separation) of a business?

Disaggregation is when business owners try to avoid charging VAT by splitting a business to ensure each operates under the VAT registration threshold.

Ultimate health and wellbeing tips for the self-employed

Health and wellbeing are important for us all, but when you're self-employed, it can sometimes feel difficult to keep on top of.

Land your dream gig with the ultimate contractor CV

Grab our free contractor CV templates and get the day rate your deserve, including tips, tricks and best practice from a professional CV writer!

Find your perfect gig: the ultimate contractor job hunt checklist

Our checklist gives contractors some top tips in securing the perfect projects for themselves. We look at all the things you can do to improve your CV.

Ultimate business tips for the self-employed

Our ultimate business tips guide covers everything from which hand to hold your drink, to the secret tricks that the most successful people swear by.

Working for yourself - top tips on becoming self-employed

Looking to make your passion your business? Hear out these 10 self-employment tips from small business owners and get the ball rolling!

The importance of goals and objectives and how to achieve them

If you're self-employed, you may spend a lot of time thinking about your objectives and goals for the future. We look at the ways you can achieve them.

Tax-free allowances on property and trading income

In 2017, the government introduced two new annual tax allowances: one for trading income (sole trade), and one for income from a property business.

Tax: can you avoid, but not evade?

Everyone knows it’s legal to evade tax but completely illegal to avoid it, right? Wrong. Confused? You’re not the only one, we'll clear up the confusion.

Small Businesses: Applying to HMRC for an advance of Maternity Pay and Paternity Pay

Small businesses can ask HMRC for an advance of payments to employees and directors to cover statutory maternity and paternity pay.

Six simple ways to value a business

There are some simple ways of estimating what a business is worth that won’t leave you pulling your hair out.

Should I have a company car, van or motorcycle?

Businesses can benefit from a company car, van or motorcycle. Having a mode of company transport can be invaluable for small businesses.

How to set up a home office (without breaking the bank)

Setting-up a home office may seem like a big task, but it doesn’t have to set you back big bucks. Read our top tips to setting up on a tight budget.

How to operate the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) as a limited company or sole trader

Contractors registered under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) are required to deduct tax from their payments to subcontractors. We explain how CIS works.

Free Open Banking feeds available with Crunch

Upload bank transactions in a flash with Crunch's simple and secure Open Banking feeds, with established links with several of the UK's biggest banks.

Meet the people who started a business during the COVID-19 pandemic

We asked the members of our self-employed community, Crunch Chorus, to share their experiences of starting a business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to manage multiple clients without losing your head

For freelancers and contractors, having a variety of clients is an exciting and important thing. We look at ways you can manage multiple clients.

Making the move from permanent to contracting? Consider this checklist

The decision to jump from a permanent ship to a freelance raft isn’t one best taken in haste. Here's what you should ponder before taking the plunge.

Everything you need to know about kill fees

There are several clauses you need to include in contract negotiations, including a kill fee. We take a look at what they are and what you need to know.

IR35 and hiring a freelancer, contractor, or worker

Hiring a third party could open you up to tax and legal pitfalls surrounding their employment status – are they a subcontractor or an employee? We explain.

IR35: Why contractors should have business insurance

Although changes to IR35 have been delayed until April 2021, contractors working through a personal service company still need to have business insurance.