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A survey of small business owners by KashFlow revealed that nearly 40 per cent blame chancellor Alistair Darling for the red tape they have to contend with.
The results were announced in the first Red Tape and Bureaucracy Awards last week.
Of the people questioned, 23 per cent blamed the European Union and 21 per cent blamed former chancellor and current prime minister Gordon Brown.
Three-quarters of the 680 UK-based businesses and accountants that took part said red tape has affected their company and nearly all of those who felt an effect (95 per cent) said it was due to "money laundering paperwork".
"At present, there seems to be a 'one size fits all' approach, but it is argued by many that smaller firms simply do not have the capabilities to comply with all regulations as easily as bigger firms," said KashFlow managing director Duane Jackson.
He said smaller businesses may not have access to funds or professionals, leaving staff to process VAT and ensure all new rules and regulations are adhered to.
In a March poll, the Federation of Small Businesses found that 93 per cent of small business owners had lost confidence in the government since last year's budget.
Chairman John Wright said increases in tax and red tape undermined the government's position with the 4.5 million-strong small business community.
