Guides / Money and tax
Tax for cleaning businesses in the UK
Sole traders pay income tax and Class 4 National Insurance on profits through Self Assessment. Keep a separate bank account, record everything, and save for the bill.
Typical allowable expenses
Products, equipment, business insurance, business travel between jobs, the business share of your phone, advertising, protective workwear and accountancy fees. Ask an accountant about larger equipment.
Payments on account
Once your tax bill passes a certain level, HMRC usually asks for advance payments towards next year on 31 January and 31 July. Check GOV.UK and keep your tax pot topped up.
The full detail, worked examples and templates are in The Clean Start. Or work out your rate with the free price calculator.
Sources: HMRC: Self Assessment. Checked October 2026.
Related
Get the free legal set-up checklist
Everything a UK cleaning business needs in place before the first paid job, and before the first employee. One page, each item linked to its official source.
We'll also send a few short emails about pricing and setting up. Unsubscribe any time. See the privacy notice.