Free guides and resources
Download free accounting guides, tax checklists, and templates from GoForma's expert team. Practical resources for UK contractors, freelancers, sole traders, and small business owners — no fluff, just actionable advice.
Downloads available: 20
Accountant Checklist Guide
We provide a clear explanation of questions you should be asking accountants and understanding when you should hire an accountant vs what you could do yourself.
- Why you need an accountant
- Where accountants can help
- Questions to ask accountants
Accounting Software Comparison Guide
Our accounting software comparison guide walks through what different accounting software can do, key features you should look out for and how to choose the right software.
- What can accounting software do
- Why you need accounting software
- Benefits of accounting software
Business Banking Guide
We signed up to a range of business banking providers so you don't have to. Check out our guide to find out which ones we preferred.
- How to choose the right account
- Challenger banks
- Starling overview
Business Insurance Guide
This is our ultimate business insurance guide. We help walk through the specific business insurance elements you may need to consider for your business as well as relevant partner offers.
- What is business insurance
- When you need business insurance
- Types of business insurance
Christmas Company Expenses Guide
Here's everything you need to know about claiming for those all-important business expenses through your company.
- Christmas expenses overview
- Staff party claims
- Gift voucher claims
Complete IR35 Guide
Our complete IR35 guide provides an extensive overview of what IR35 is, how it can impact you as a contractor, and how you can ensure you are operating legally outside or inside of IR35.
- What is IR35
- Who IR35 impacts
- Planning for IR35
Contractor & Freelancer Insurance Guide
We walk through the specific insurance requirements that contractors and freelancers may have and how to find the best policy for you.
- What is business insurance
- What insurance you need
- Insurance requirements for freelancers
Cryptocurrency UK Tax Guide
We explain crypto tax rates in the UK, calculating your crypto capital gains tax and filing requirements for HMRC.
- UK crypto tax rates
- Crypto capital gains tax calculation
- Automatically calculating crypto profit/ loss
Dividends Guide
Our extensive dividends guide talks through everything you need to know about dividends. From different dividend tax rates, how to pay yourself, and when to pay your dividend tax. We'll also walk through common FAQs.
- What are dividends
- Dividend tax rates
- Dividend allowances
How to Start Contracting Guide
We explain which contractor segment you might fall into. We walk through IR35 and the implications for you and how you may fall inside or outside of IR35.
- What is a contractor
- Types of contractors
- Contractor business structures
How to Start an Ecommerce Business Guide
Our extensive Ecommerce business guide explains different ecommerce models and when you'll need to register your business. We also help walk through VAT implications for importing and exporting products.
- Types of Ecommerce Business Models
- When to register your business
- Accounting software requirements
Limited Company Accounting Guide
Our small business accounting guide walks through absolutely everything you need to know if you're considering starting a limited company. From different taxes, limited company advantages/ disadvantages, how to pay yourself, and what your key filing requirements are.
- When to register a Ltd company
- When to register for VAT
- How to take money out of your company
Limited Company Expenses Guide
Our limited company expenses guide talks through all the different expense categories you can claim for along with key examples and how this can impact your corporation tax.
- Allowable business expenses
- Employee expenses
- Travel expenses
Registering a Limited Company Guide
We walk through every step of the Limited Company registration process to help you understand whether you should start the limited company registration process.
- What is a Limited Company
- Limited Company Advantages
- Limited Company Disadvantages
Self Employed Registration Guide
This is an ultimate guide to help you understand if you should register as a sole trader, the advantages/ disadvantages of operating as a sole trader, and all your tax obligations when becoming self employed.
- What is a sole trader
- Sole trader advantages
- Sole trader disadvantages
Take Home Pay Guide
We help you understand how to actually pay yourself as a limited company director or sole trader. This guide helps explain the different tax rates, filing requirements and which company structure is best for you.
- What is PAYE
- PAYE when self employed
- When to register for PAYE
UTR Numbers Guide
Our Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) guide walks through everything you need to know about personal UTR numbers, company UTR numbers, and how to register.
- What is a UTR number
- Why you need a UTR number
- Where to find your UTR number
Ultimate VAT Guide
Our Ultimate VAT guide walks through step by step what you need to know about registering for VAT, how to pay your VAT, your filing responsibilities and how to de-register for VAT.
- What is VAT
- When to register for VAT
- VAT rates
Umbrella Company Guide
Our Umbrella company guides gives a detailed overview of what umbrella companies are, when you may need one, how they work and the pros and cons of umbrella companies.
- What is an umbrella company
- How an umbrella company works
- Pros and cons umbrella companies
Virtual Office Guide
Our virtual office guide provides a full overview of everything you need to consider when buying a virtual office - particularly the features that some providers may try to hide and charge you extra for.
- What is a virtual office
- Virtual office alternatives
- Benefits of a virtual office
Need numbers, not a guide?
Run one of our free UK tax calculators for an instant estimate — 18 calculators covering take-home pay, IR35, corporation tax, VAT and more.
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