[Cookie]

This is my first full year of  self employment as a WC. I'm trying to get organised re: 2015/16 tax return (I'm doing it myself rather than using an accountant). This is what I think I can claim for with regard business expenses. Am I missing anything or is there anything that you think I should not be claiming for? Thanks ...

* Equipment (WFP & trad)
* Mobile 'phone
* Public liability insurance
* Stationary (business cards, envelopes, stamps)
* Rent of room as home office (fixed monthly amount)
* Use of 'phone/internet (fixed monthly amount)
* Use of washing machine/powder (for sill cloths, uniform etc..) - fixed monthly amount
* Van costs (45p per mile)
* Website
* Workwear

[Dave Willis]

water

[Clever Forum Name]

Its a private matter

Bank charges?

Advertising?

[Og]

You've pretty much got the bulk of it for business expenses. Hotels away while working? Food costs?

[Cookie]

water

I'm not on a water meter - so are you saying I can claim a portion of the water bill against the business? What percentage of the bill do you claim Dave just out of interest?

[Cookie]

Its a private matter

Bank charges?

Advertising?

Thanks, however I don't pay bank charges, (I have just opened a standard current account and haven't told them that I run a business), & I don't advertise (apart from the website)

You've pretty much got the bulk of it for business expenses. Hotels away while working? Food costs?

Thanks, Og

[Dave Willis]

water

I'm not on a water meter - so are you saying I can claim a portion of the water bill against the business? What percentage of the bill do you claim Dave just out of interest?

I am on a meter - on another post I used over £500 worth of water. Guess you can't claim.

[Dave Willis]

Have you paid tax yet? Watch out for payment on account (you get taxed twice a year).

[nathankaye]

There are certain web sites you will be able to find what you can and cannot charge, so its not quite a private matter as hes not asking for amounts.
So for instance ive sorted a works uniform but according to inland revenue you cannot claim for work clothes unless a specific uniform is a given ie, police uniform is the example they give and the reason; you have to wear clothes anyway. However if you have your logo, you can put them thru as advertising.
Its worth calculating the mileage qay of claiming back compared to actual cost and see which will get u most, ie business insurance, mot, fuel and repairs etc.

Electricity costs of any work associated cleaning ag home etc.
I think we need to organise a window convention abroad so we can claim costs bk on a holiday

[Spruce]

water

I'm not on a water meter - so are you saying I can claim a portion of the water bill against the business? What percentage of the bill do you claim Dave just out of interest?

If you aren't on a meter then no you can't claim anything. You are paying that anyway - Receiver informed us of this.

We were warned to be very careful about renting a portion of the house as an office. If you have a mortgage then tread carefully as there could be an issue tax wise when you come to sell it. If you are renting the house then no problem.

The receiver told us in a training course that workwear was not claimable unless it had you business logo sewn onto it. Shoes were only claimable if the were steel capped boots. The question was asked if our indrustry requires the used of steel capped boots for safety. If you can justify it then claim it. (ie, cleaning windows in an industrial premises that requires their employees to wear them. The same would apply to hard hats.) Ordinary trainers won't be accepted.

Claim for a portion of your phone bill at home as well as your office portion of heating and lighting.

If you heat your van in winter then increase the amount you claim against electricity. Unfortunately I can't tell you how much by as you have to self assess that yourself.

[Tosh]

Have you paid tax yet? Watch out for payment on account (you get taxed twice a year).

Ive had that this year, Im paying more in tax this year than most Nigerians have to live on for the whole of their lives.

[Phil J]

Accountancy fees, van repairs, website and domain name fees.

[duncan h]

gloves waterproofs. I claim for waterproof trainers

[ChumBucket]

You can claim for any expense incurred for the running and operation of your business - including work wear (ppe) regardless of whether it bears your logo or not. So long as your purchases are both genuine and economically justifiable then you'll have no issue.

[steve rix]

Bad debts

[Shane sharples]

Your £115 Nike air max trainers that you buy for the summer months 

[paulben]

You could argue against steel toe cap shoes/boots if you use a ladder as hse says that shoes should be as light as possible so that you can feel the rungs on a ladder properly

[dazmond]

dont forget van MOT/commercial van insurance/road tax/repairs etc if your van is just used for work.

[nathankaye]

You can claim for any expense incurred for the running and operation of your business - including work wear (ppe) regardless of whether it bears your logo or not. So long as your purchases are both genuine and economically justifiable then you'll have no issue.

Ild like to use your accountant if you think you can put clothes thru and its ok. That for sure is a loosing battle dispite how you want to argue it

[Cookie]

Thanks all. Some interesting comments here ....

Have you paid tax yet? Watch out for payment on account (you get taxed twice a year).

Re: the above I guess in theory for some this is a good idea since it's essentially paying tax in installments (although you are paying six months tax in advance, so HMRC can cheekily earn interest on the first payment). However who initiates this method of payment? Are you automatically enrolled if you file your tax returns online or do you actually have to agree to sign up for it (it's not 100% clear from what I'm reading online)?