As the self-assessment tax season heats up, one of the most pressing concerns for the self-employed is understanding allowable expenses. These expenses can significantly reduce your taxable income, helping you save money and invest more in your business. At Jungle Tax, we’re here to demystify the rules and ensure you’re not leaving money on the table.
What Are Allowable Expenses?
Allowable expenses are business-related costs that you can deduct from your income before calculating your taxable profit. The general rule is that these expenses must be wholly and exclusively for business purposes. Mixing personal and business use can complicate matters, so it’s important to keep clear records.
Common Allowable Expenses
Here are some common categories of expenses that you might be able to claim:
1. Office Costs
- Stationery and printing.
- Office furniture and equipment (including computers).
- Software and subscriptions used exclusively for work.
2. Travel and Subsistence
- Mileage for business travel.
- Train, bus, or taxi fares.
- Accommodation costs for business trips.
- Meals during overnight stays.
3. Marketing and Advertising
- Website design and hosting.
- Social media advertising.
- Print materials like flyers and business cards.
4. Professional Services
- Accountancy fees.
- Legal costs related to your business.
- Training courses directly relevant to your work.
5. Utility Costs (for home-based businesses)
- A proportion of your household bills, such as electricity, gas, and internet.
What You Can’t Claim
It’s equally important to know what doesn’t qualify as an allowable expense. These include:
- Personal expenses not related to your business.
- Client entertainment (e.g., meals, drinks, or tickets).
- Fines or penalties.
Keeping Accurate Records
To successfully claim allowable expenses, you must keep accurate and up-to-date records. HMRC requires you to keep receipts, invoices, and bank statements for at least five years after the relevant tax year. Using a dedicated business account can make tracking these expenses much easier.
How Jungle Tax Can Help
Navigating the rules for allowable expenses can be tricky, especially if you’re juggling the demands of running your business. That’s where Jungle Tax comes in. Our experts will:
- Help you identify every allowable expense to maximise your tax savings.
- Review your financial records to ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.
- Provide tailored advice for your specific business needs.
Final Thoughts
Understanding allowable expenses is key to reducing your tax bill and staying compliant with HMRC. By keeping detailed records and seeking professional guidance, you can confidently navigate the self-assessment process.
Contact us today at 0333 880 7974 or visit jungletax.co.uk to get expert help with your self-assessment tax return. At Jungle Tax, we make taxes simple and stress-free for self-employed individuals and small businesses.