Every pound of allowable expenses you claim reduces your taxable profit — which means a lower tax bill. Here are five of the most commonly missed deductions.
1. Use of home as office
Run the numbers yourself
If you work from home, you can claim a proportion of household costs. HMRC allows a simplified flat rate of £6 per week (£312/year) without detailed records.
2. Professional subscriptions
Membership fees to professional bodies relevant to your trade are fully allowable — industry associations, trade bodies and professional development memberships.
3. Bank charges and interest
Business bank account charges, merchant processing fees and interest on business loans are all allowable expenses.
4. Training and CPD
Training that updates or improves skills relevant to your existing trade is deductible — courses, webinars, books and publications.
5. Mileage and travel
Business travel (not commuting) can be claimed at HMRC's approved mileage rate: 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles, 25p thereafter. Keep a mileage log.
Don't leave money on the table
At Fernside Accounting, we review your expenses as part of every tax return. Get in touch to find out how we can reduce your tax bill.