Tax Return for Window Cleaners

While cleaning windows doesn’t sound like the most glamorous of jobs, it is in
high demand, since everybody has windows, but very few want to actually
clean them themselves. So they hire a window cleaner to do it for them.

What does a window cleaner do?

Quite predictably, a window cleaner’s job is to clean windows. A job could simply be cleaning windows on the ground floor, or a little more complicated and include cleaning windows on the higher floors of tower blocks. And sometimes, you’ll be asked to clean gutters, paintwork, or window frames too.

What skills does a self-employed window cleaner need to have?

Though window cleaning is a pretty easy skill to learn, there are still some
standards you need to stick to:

• Being thorough on every single job.
• Being organised, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Applying the right techniques for each particular job, and not leaving any water marks on the windows.

Becoming a better self-employed window
cleaner – training and qualifications

You can clean windows without any specific qualifications, but it won’t hurt to learn as much as possible about being a window cleaner. The British Window Cleaning Academy (BWCA) runs courses on various aspects of window cleaning, including courses on how to clean windows properly, and how to manage and market your window cleaning business effectively.
Though not vital, any qualifications you have will make you look more credible
and professional, and so you’ll have an easier time attracting new clients.

A good self-employed window cleaner needs a van and driving license

Since you’ll be travelling to various businesses and people’s homes with your
window cleaning equipment, it’s a good idea to own a van and have a valid
driving license. The side of a van is also a great place to advertise your window cleaning services.And even if you only hire a van, you can still buy removable signs to stick on.

Accounting as a freelance window cleaner

There are various benefits to freelancing as a window cleaner, from the
freedom and flexibility to work with a variety of businesses and individuals to more take-home pay.
But there is one downside – accounting.
As a full-time employee, your tax is usually taken care of on your behalf in the form of PAYE.
As a freelancer you’ll have to keep a range of financial records and then
prepare and pay a Self-Assessment tax return at the end of each business
year. Accountancy can be very confusing and can distract you from your work
cleaning windows.

Getting tax and accountancy advice

With most accountants, you’ll pay them to do your year-end accounts, and
then they’ll forget about you until the next year.
But for your business to be run smoothly and successfully, you’ll need advice
on tax and accountancy throughout the year, especially in the early days.

Citi Accounts is different

Citi Accounts provides an affordable and specialist accountancy service
designed just for freelancers.
Throughout the year we’ll be on hand to give you any tax and accountancy
advice you might need, including things like:

• Take-home pay
• Which VAT scheme to register for
• Expenses
• Tax allowances
• Choosing between sole trader and limited company
• Running your business in a tax-efficient way

We charge for our accountancy services in a clear and simple way, which
means you’ll never receive an unexpected bill, and you can get in touch for
advice whenever you want without the worry of being charged a fortune like
you would with many other accountants.