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Everything You Need To Know About Claiming Expenses

No matter whether you’re a business owner, sole trader or an employee, here is everything you need to know about claiming expenses. Depending on your employment status, as listed above, it will vary as to what and how much you are allowed to claim. 

What can sole traders claim as expenses?

As a sole trader, you can only be taxed on your profits. That means that any expenses won’t be taxed and so should be claimed back. Your expenses claim needs to be accurate and backed up with receipts as you are legally bound to keep these records for 6 years.

Here at Aston Black Accountants, we are well-versed in all things to do with sole traders. If you’re self-employed, there are a number of different things you can claim on your expenses, such as office expenses, travel costs, marketing, financial and legal costs, business insurance and even subscriptions.

Please take a look at our previous blog posts for more detailed information tailored to sole traders.

What can businesses claim on their tax return?

When a business is completing a tax return, there are a number of different things that they can claim that count as ‘allowable business expenses’. These are listed below.

  • Office expenses
  • Business premises
  • Travel expenses
  • Stock and materials
  • Legal and financial costs
  • Business insurance
  • Marketing
  • Clothing/ Uniform
  • Staff costs
  • Subscriptions

Claiming expenses for employees

If you’re an employee, there are inevitably some things that you have to pay for whilst carrying out your work. This could include buying new soap for the office bathroom or include paying for petrol when travelling to a business meeting. Rightly so, you’d expect your employer to pay you back for those expenses. 

Employees working from home: what expenses can you claim?

If you’re an employee that’s working from home, find out more about what expenses you could claim in our dedicated blog post.

Contact Aston Black Accountants

Looking for a local accountant based in the Milton Keynes area? Look no further, Aston Black Accountants are here to help. Give us a call today on 01908 760293, drop us an email at enquiries@accountantmk.co.uk, or alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch.