£16.99
Keep your books tidy. Keep your accountant happy. Keep more of your money.
Nobody starts a trade business because they love spreadsheets. But if you’re doing your own books — whether that’s by choice or because you’re saving a few quid — you need a system that actually works.
Shoving receipts in a drawer and hoping for the best isn’t a system. Neither is that random spreadsheet you cobbled together at 2am. When tax return time comes around, you need records that make sense — to you, to your accountant, and to HMRC if they ever come knocking.
This is a straightforward Excel template designed specifically for sole traders in construction and motor trade. It’s the same format we use with our clients, so you know it works.
| Clear categories | Income, materials, tools, travel, CIS — all the categories you actually need, with descriptions to help you pick the right one. |
| CIS tracking | If you’re working under CIS, there’s a column specifically for tracking deductions. No more scrambling at year-end. |
| Drop-down menus | Transaction types and categories are all selectable from drop-downs, so you’re not typing the same thing over and over. |
| Built-in guidance | The instructions sheet explains exactly what goes where, including that tricky question of ‘is this actually a business expense?’ |
This template is for sole traders who want to keep their own records properly — whether you’re sending them to an accountant once a year or doing your own self-assessment. It’s particularly useful for anyone dealing with CIS income, because we know that adds an extra layer of complexity.
This template helps you organise your records — it doesn’t replace professional accounting advice. Make sure your expenses are accurate and you can back them up if HMRC asks questions. If you’re not sure whether something counts as a business expense, ask yourself: would I have bought this anyway, even without the business? If yes, it’s probably not fully claimable.
And if you’ve got multiple self-employments in different industries, you’ll need a separate spreadsheet for each.
Download the template and start the year with books you can actually read. Your future self (and your accountant) will thank you.
ACCUREX ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS
Specialists in motor trade and construction accounts
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