đź’¸ The Magic of Claimable Business Expenses: Are You Missing a Trick?
Let’s talk about something that might not sound sexy, but absolutely is when you see the tax savings roll in—claimable business expenses.
If you’ve ever squinted at a receipt wondering, “Can I claim this?”—you’re not alone. Whether you’re a freshly hatched sole trader or a seasoned business witch stirring the cauldron of commerce, knowing what you can claim makes all the difference when it comes to your bottom line (and keeping HMRC off your back).
🧾 What Counts as a Business Expense?
The golden rule is this: if it’s wholly and exclusively for business use, you can likely claim it. Some common spell ingredients include:
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Office supplies – Pens, paper, printer ink… if your pen pot looks like it belongs to a stationery dragon, you’re doing it right.
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Software subscriptions – Your accounting software, Canva, Zoom, even that niche app you use to organise your life.
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Phone and internet – If you use it for business, a portion is yours to claim.
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Professional services – Bookkeeping (hi there 👋), legal advice, marketing wizards.
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Travel and mileage – Business-related journeys, but no, sadly not that scenic drive to the seaside just because you had a really good idea in the car.
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Home office expenses – If you work from home, there’s a method to claim a fair chunk of your household bills.
🧙‍♀️ But What About the Grey Areas?
Here’s where things get trickier than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Some expenses need careful apportioning or might be partially allowable. Think:
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Clothing (only uniforms or protective gear count—not your glittery networking shoes),
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Meals (only when travelling for work),
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Training (if it’s to improve existing skills, not learn new ones).
If you’re unsure, don’t guess. That’s where a good bookkeeper comes in—or even better, my handy guide!
🧠Want the Full Spell Book?
I’ve brewed up a beautifully clear, no-nonsense guide on claimable business expenses that breaks this all down for you, without any jargon, just straight-talking tips that keep you compliant and clever.
👉 Click here to download the Claimable Business Expenses Guide
Bottom line? Knowing what you can claim isn’t just about saving money—it’s about running your business with confidence and clarity. So go ahead, claim what’s yours—and leave the guesswork to the amateurs.
Got questions? Drop me a message.
đź–¤ Tasha
Your friendly neighbourhood bookkeeper & expense-claiming enthusiast
