Tax Returns for Sole Traders, Self-Employed Individuals and Freelancers
- Level(s) of Study: Short course; Professional
- Course Fee:
Available at no cost to eligible individuals (see criteria below).
- Start Date(s): 3 December 2025
- Duration: 10am-4pm (one day)
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Location: Kirkby-in-Ashfield
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Please note: This course is delivered through the Enterprising Ashfield project, which is funded by the Government's Towns Fund. Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is pleased to offer free (fully funded) places on this course to support individuals and employees of businesses that are based in the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The standard fee would normally be £230.
Whether you’re new to being a freelancer, self-employed or struggle with your self-assessment tax return each year, this course will help you to understand and complete you’re your return.
This course will encourage you to gain a better understanding the tax process better and allow you time within the session to get your tax returns done!
Freelancers, small businesses, lone creatives and professionals often don’t get the chance to work with others; on this course you will get underway with your tax return in the company of others doing their returns too, with a Business Adviser present to help you with your questions.
On this course you will understand which sections of the return are relevant to you, the taxes you will need to pay, and understand the terminology used within the tax return.
This course has been created in a way that’s easy to understand, so you won’t be overwhelmed by jargon, so you will be confident in understanding and organising your tax return.
What you’ll study
What you'll study:
You’ll start by looking at all the sections included with the tax return where you’ll discuss the meaning of different sections and which ones might be relevant to you.
Looking at the design and layout of the return you’ll have time to share your experiences, complete practical exercises and talk through the tax return.
You’ll then have the opportunity to put your learning into practice and complete your tax return during the course (so bring along your laptop and information needed to complete your return).
You will learn how to do your tax return in week one, then you can pull all the information you need together between sessions, and have a go completing it during the second session (or come back with queries that may have emerged as you compile your return).
During this course you will:
- understand if you need to complete a tax return
- consider what you need to prepare for the return
- look at how much detail or evidence you will need to submit
- look at examples of expenses that are allowed
- understand how to log on and sign in
- have an overview of the tax return
- complete the checklist to tailor your return
- fill in your return (including different sections of the return employment, self-employment and bank interest).
What will I gain?
By end of the course you will be familiar with the layout of the tax return and how to work through your tax return.
Certificate of attendance and digital badge
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.
Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.
They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.
Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.
How you’re taught
This course will be based at the Summit Centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Contact hours
Wednesday 3 December 2025, 10am-4pm
Campus and facilities
This course will be taught at the Summit Centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Entry requirements
You must be a sole trader, freelancer or self employed to attend this course (this course will not apply to Limited companies).
If this is your first time of doing a tax return you need to register with HMRC to complete a self-assessment tax return. Please do this registration with HMRC at least two weeks before attending this course, so that you have all the log-in codes you need before attending this course. You will also need to bring a laptop or tablet, and any associated paperwork.
You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
To be eligible for a place, you must live or work in the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield or Sutton-in-Ashfield. To check if your home or work postcode is eligible visit the Enterprising Ashfield postcode checker page.
Fees and funding
This course is available at no cost to eligible participants.
How to apply
If you have any questions about this course, you can email EnterprisingAshfield@ntu.ac.uk or call us at +44 (0)115 848 2813.
