For market traders

Accountant for market traders in Erith & Kent

Running a stall keeps you busy enough. We handle the books, the tax and the deadlines — for one fixed monthly fee — so you can get on with trading.

Book a free consultation Call 07387 342847

★★★★★ Rated 5.0 on Google

Market trading is a proper cash business, and that brings accounting quirks the average high-street accountant doesn't think about — daily takings to record, stock to track, pitch and stall fees to claim, and income that changes week to week. At BDH Accounting we work with market traders across Erith, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Dartford and the wider Kent area, and we keep it simple: fixed fees, same-day answers and plain English.

Whether you're on the market a couple of days a week or trading full time, we make sure your records are right, your tax return is filed on time, and you're claiming every expense you're entitled to.

What we handle

Accounting built around your stall

Cash records made simple

Daily takings sorted with easy digital record-keeping — minutes a day, and MTD-ready.

Self Assessment, done for you

Registration through to filing, on time, every year — no deadline stress.

Every expense claimed

Pitch fees, stock, van, storage and more — we make sure nothing's left on the table.

VAT & Making Tax Digital

We watch your turnover, handle VAT if you cross the threshold, and keep you MTD-compliant.

Bookkeeping & payroll

Ongoing bookkeeping, and payroll if you take on stall help.

A named accountant

One person who knows your business, answers the same day, and talks plain English.

Expenses market traders often miss

Claiming the right expenses is one of the easiest ways to cut your tax bill. As a market trader you can typically claim:

Pitch and stall fees and market rent
Stock and goods bought for resale
Your van or vehicle — running costs or mileage
Storage, packaging and bags
Insurance and market association fees
Protective clothing, your phone and other running costs

Not sure what counts? That's our job. We go through your costs with you so nothing allowable gets left behind — see our guide to allowable expenses for sole traders.

From April 2026, many sole traders also need to follow Making Tax Digital for Income Tax — we'll get your records ready so it's a non-event.

Questions

Market trader FAQs

Do market traders need to complete a tax return?

Yes. Most market traders work as sole traders, which means registering for Self Assessment and filing a tax return each year. We handle the whole thing for you, from registration to filing, so you never miss a deadline.

What expenses can market traders claim?

Plenty that are easy to miss — pitch and stall fees, market rent, stock and goods for resale, van running costs and mileage, storage, packaging, insurance, protective clothing, your phone and market association fees. We make sure every allowable cost is claimed so you don't pay more tax than you need to.

How should I record my cash takings?

Keep a simple daily record of your takings and bank money regularly. We'll set you up with easy digital record-keeping that takes minutes a day and keeps you ready for Making Tax Digital.

Do I need to charge VAT?

Only once your VAT-taxable turnover passes £90,000 over a rolling 12-month period. We keep an eye on your turnover and tell you well before you get there, so it's never a nasty surprise.

How much does it cost?

One fixed monthly fee — no hourly billing and no surprise invoices. Book a free consultation and we'll give you a clear quote based on your stall and your turnover.

Spend less time on the books, more time on the stall

Fixed-fee, ACCA-accredited accounting for market traders across Erith and Kent. Your first consultation is free.

Book your free consult