Welcome to Freelance UK; I am a newbie myself, as our company has only just launched! I read your article, and was very amused! It just goes to show how strong a female is, even up to grandmothers!
With regards to your post you must make sure you keep on top and are aware of your tax liabilities, as the HMRC will hold you responsible. There is nothing more frustrating than paying extra money, than that of which you owe due to penalties and fines!
If you want to do your own payroll, bookkeeping and accounts for yourself that is fair enough, but you will unless you are a qualified accountant you will need professional assistance to prepare your Company's Year End Documents (if you are a limited company). Whatever system you decide to use, you must make sure it calculates figures correctly, as mistakes are costly and will take a long time to rectify.
With regards to freelancing through a limited company, there is a vast amount of legislation you must comply with. For example, a limited company must keep books in a certain way (double entry bookkeeping), and make annual returns to Companies House, as well as the tax liabilites for you the individual/ director, and your company. Remember that both you and the company are two seperate entities. Limited Companies are however, by far the most tax effficient vechile for freelancers like yourself.
If you are freelancing as a self employed sole trader than your responsibilties are far smaller, just make sure you have notified the HMRC within your first three months of trading. The business link websites are also fantastic for support and advice, and being a government organisation the information is reliable.
Anyway Good Luck with whatever you decide to do. If you need anything else or want to know more either PM me or phone us.
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