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Guides for self-employed carers

In-depth, plain-English guides to the things every independent carer needs to know. General guidance for the UK, not legal or tax advice.

Do I need to be CQC registered as a self-employed carer?Plain-English guide to CQC registration for self-employed carers in England: when you don't need to register, when you do, and what the rules are in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.6 min read How to register as a sole trader with HMRCStep-by-step guide to registering as a sole trader for Self Assessment: what you need, how to get your UTR number, deadlines, and the records HMRC expects you to keep.7 min read Starting as a self-employed carer: the complete checklistEverything you need to start working as a self-employed carer in the UK: registration, DBS checks, insurance, training, contracts, policies, pricing and finding your first clients.9 min read Insurance for self-employed carers: what you actually needA plain-English guide to insurance for independent carers: public liability, professional indemnity, car insurance for work, and what happens if you ever employ someone.5 min read How to fill in your Self Assessment tax return and keep records as a self-employed carerPlain-English walkthrough of the Self Assessment tax return for self-employed carers: key dates, each section of the form, allowable expenses, mileage, and simple record keeping that keeps HMRC happy.9 min read Self-employed carer contracts: what yours must includeWhat a self-employed carer contract should cover: services, hours, rates, payment terms, cancellations, notice, emergencies and signatures — plus the mistakes that leave carers unpaid.7 min read DBS checks for self-employed carers: how it actually worksHow self-employed carers get a DBS check: why you can't apply for an Enhanced check yourself, how umbrella bodies work, the Update Service, and what families will ask to see.5 min read How much should a self-employed carer charge?How to set your hourly rate as a self-employed carer: what your rate must cover, typical UK ranges, mileage and extras, and how to raise your prices without losing clients.6 min read Expenses self-employed carers can claim (and the mileage rules)A plain-English guide to allowable expenses for self-employed carers: mileage at 45p a mile, insurance, training, DBS, PPE and phone costs — plus the records HMRC expects.6 min read How to find private clients as a self-employed carerPractical ways for self-employed carers to find private clients in the UK: word of mouth, local community groups, direct payments, online directories, and what families look for before they hire you.7 min read How to become a self-employed carer in the UKStep-by-step guide to becoming a self-employed carer in the UK: registering with HMRC, DBS checks, insurance, training, contracts, setting your rate and finding your first clients.9 min read How to invoice as a self-employed carerWhat a self-employed carer's invoice must include, how to number and date invoices, when to send them, how to get paid faster, and what to do when a client pays late.6 min read Carer expenses and Self Assessment: what you can claimThe allowable expenses self-employed carers can claim — mileage, training, insurance, DBS, PPE and phone costs — plus how Self Assessment works, key deadlines and how much tax to set aside.7 min read Private carer contracts: what to include and why you need oneWhy every self-employed carer needs a written contract with each private client, the clauses that protect you — rates, cancellations, notice, duties — and how to get it signed without awkwardness.6 min read

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