This guide shows how to import a sole trader’s financial data from BrightAP directly into BrightTax, helping reduce manual input and streamline tax prep.

Before You Begin

- Ensure you have BrightAP Sole Trader Accounts set up within BrightAP, recommended year end 31/12/2024.
- Have a sole trader client created in BrightAP (e.g. the test client 'UK Sole Trader').
- Note: UI may differ slightly if you're not on the latest version yet.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open a Sole Trader Client in BrightTax

Start by navigating to a sole trader within BrightTax, or create a new return by clicking “Create Task” and then “ITR Return”.

2. Access the Tax Return Supplementary Pages

Go to 'What makes up the tax return' and click into the Self-employment section.

3. Create a New Self-Employment Entry

Click 'Create' to open a new blank self-employment record.

4. Link to Accounts and Choose BrightAP

Click 'Link to Accounts'. You'll now see a dropdown — select BrightAP.

5. Search for Your Business in BrightAP

Use the search box to find the relevant business from your BrightAP client list.

6. Import Financials

Once you've selected the business, BrightTax will display available financial statements. Click 'Import' on the correct year (e.g. 31 March 2025). The data will auto-fill your self-employment section with turnover and other financial details.

7. Save and Continue

Click 'Save', then 'Check and Calculate' to finalise the entry. You're now ready to continue with the rest of the return (e.g. adding dividends, student loans, etc.).

Notes

- The data is pulled directly from BrightAP, meaning no need to re-key trial balances.
- Comparing a blank CT600 to a completed return in other software won’t reflect the true output — ensure you've fully generated and imported the data.

What’s Next?

You can continue completing the return and submit via BrightTax.
If you need dummy data, use the “UK Sole Trader” test entity created by Ian.