Tax Returns for Plumbers

Being a self-employed plumber means you get to do a wide variety of jobs for lots of different people. It can involve anything from fixing leaky taps to being part of the planning process of new builds.

Learning to be a plumber – training and qualifications

Working as an apprentice is the most common route to becoming a plumber. It will give you the opportunity to learn the practical skills needed to be a plumber, as well as study for the required qualifications.
In the four years a plumbing apprentice takes to complete, you’ll spend your time both at a local college and out on jobs, gaining the practical skills.

What sort of work does a plumber need to do?

A good practical education is important because there is a wide variety of tasks you’ll be asked to perform as a freelance plumber.
Here are just a few of the jobs you might have to do:

• Calculate estimates and write contracts
• Install piping
• Fix leaks and other problems
• Prepare materials and equipment, while taking into consideration electrical wiring.
• People skills: You’ll need to be good at talking to your clients, and other tradesmen you might have to work with, including electricians.

How to find work as a freelance plumber?

In the early days of your career as a freelance plumber, you’ll be spending much of your time and effort looking for clients.
Here are a few ways to market your plumbing services:

• Set up a website: A professional website will make you look more credible, and is a good place to show your services, prices, and contact details.
• Social networking: Social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are good places to make contacts and let people know about your plumbing services.
• Business cards: Make business cards and give them to family, friends, and anybody you think might need your services.
• Directories: Add details about you and your business on free directories such as Yell.com.

Accounting as a freelance plumber

There are various benefits to freelancing as a plumber, 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 plumbing jobs.

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.