Hi all first time on here although I partner another unrelated forum elsewhere.
Ltd issues:
I have a limited company dealing with special commercial cleaning issues.
The tax savings are correct in respect that as self employed you will be responsible for tax on nearly all your earnings and purchases at a higher rate (allowances will apply of course).
LTD would be a lower rate and many issues can/would be exempt, however for those who fear that you would then be liable for the higher rate tax on your own income, there is options.
As a Director of your company you would be entitled to certain privileges, i.e. dividends, instead of wages which can be drawn as regular as a wage. simply check with your accountant for all the benefits.
However remember that you will need a new bank account (they will not convert your existing one) and that you will loose certain ease of access in respect of nipping down to the hole in the wall for money, credit cards etc.
So therefore you need to be organized.
There will be certain documents to return i.e. annual registration fee to Companies House (£15) and of course your accounts each year would become public.
All in all and after 4 years of "trading as" I have not regretted becoming Ltd, but the main benefit is the limited liabilities if something goes wrong. I was accounting for a very high turnover and exposed to very large credit amounts, therefore personal liability was too great to continue.
Please remember that Directorship carries certain legal obligations that you must be aware of by law, so get the booklet from your accountant before continuing.
Not sure if this helps but there is my 2 pennies worth.
David P.