{"id":12780,"date":"2024-09-05T16:36:59","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T15:36:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=12780"},"modified":"2024-11-08T13:04:53","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T13:04:53","slug":"tax-on-business-expenses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/tax-on-business-expenses\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I pay tax on my business expenses?"},"content":{"rendered":"            <div class='post-lastupdated'>\n                <strong>Last updated: 8 Nov 2024<\/strong>\n            <\/div>\n        \n<p>When running any type of business in the UK, most or all of the expenses you incur may be tax-deductible. You can claim allowable business expenses on your tax returns by deducting the costs from your gross income. This reduces your taxable profits, which in turn lowers your tax bill. You can also claim capital allowances and recover the VAT you\u2019ve paid on business purchases.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>We discuss what business expenses you can claim when you&#8217;re self-employed or trading as a limited company. We also explain how to claim allowable expenses on your Self Assessment tax return or Company Tax Return.<\/p>\n<h3>Allowable business expenses<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> you can claim<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Business expenses are any costs relating to the purchase of physical items or services needed to run your business. These may be expenses paid by the business (e.g. through the business bank account) or costs that you or your employees incur personally and later claim back from the business.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>HMRC\u2019s general rule is that any business expenses you claim must be \u201cwholly and exclusively\u201d for the purposes of your trade, profession, or vocation. This means that you can\u2019t deduct the cost of expenditure that has an element of personal use. However, in some instances, you can claim tax relief on the business element of dual-purpose expenses.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <div class=\"names_shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/acn.ionos.co.uk\/aff_c?offer_id=3&amp;aff_id=8964&amp;url_id=309\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/242634_Domains_Banner-Cooperation_QCF_325x340_UK.png\"\n                        alt=\"FREE .co.uk Domain Name.\"\n                        class=\"names_shortcode-mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/242634_Domains_Banner-Cooperation_QCF_980x150_UK.png\"\n                        alt=\"FREE .co.uk Domain Name.\"\n                        class=\"names_shortcode-desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        \n<p>Whether you\u2019re self-employed or trading through a limited company, you can offset business expenses by deducting them from your profits before tax. This means that you don&#8217;t pay tax on all or most of your business expenses. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your annual business turnover is \u00a360,000<\/li>\n<li>Your allowable business expenses are \u00a315,000<\/li>\n<li>You only pay tax on the remaining \u00a345,000 &#8211; this is your taxable profit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re self-employed, you claim expenses on your Self Assessment tax return, which reduces your Income Tax and National Insurance liabilities. If you trade through a company, you claim most expenses on your Company Tax Return to reduce your Corporation Tax bill.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Below, we outline the common business expenses on which you can claim tax relief.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>1. Pre-trading expenses<\/h4>\n<p>Pre-trading expenses are the startup costs you incur before you commence trading. These are tax-deductible if they satisfy the following two conditions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You incurred the expenses within a period of 7 years before the commencement of the trade, profession, or vocation<\/li>\n<li>The expenses would have been tax-deductible under the normal tax rules if you incurred them after the trade had commenced<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the costs satisfy both conditions, you can count pre-trading expenses as incurred on the first day you start trading.<\/p>\n<p>These types of costs typically include things like laptops and computers, website fees and domain names, legal and accountancy fees, stock and materials, and office supplies. Unfortunately, company formation costs are one of the expenses you can\u2019t claim against tax.<\/p>\n                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/are-company-startup-costs-tax-deductible\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">Are company startup costs tax deductible?<\/span><\/a>\n                    \n<p>Business owners often use their own money for pre-trading expenditures. You should keep a record and receipts of everything you purchase and then claim back through Self Assessment (if you\u2019re self-employed) or as a reimbursement from the company.<\/p>\n<h4>2. General office supplies<\/h4>\n<p>Whether you rent or purchase commercial premises or run your business from home, you can claim general office costs as business expenses. These include stationery, printing costs, postage, phone bills, broadband, <span class=\"ILfuVd\" lang=\"en\"><span class=\"hgKElc\">and other consumable office supplies.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you use your personal phone and home broadband for your business, you can only claim the business-related elements of these costs.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>3. Business premises<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Allowable expenses relating to business premises include rent on commercial premises, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/business-rates-what-you-need-to-know\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">business rates<\/a>, mortgage interest on commercial property, water rates, utility bills, property insurance, security, and using your home as an office (more on this later).<\/p>\n<h4>4. Travel and subsistence costs<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>These business expenses include fuel, parking, congestion charges, vehicle insurance, vehicle repairs and maintenance, and public transportation fares. However, you cannot claim travel costs for commuting between your home and place of business.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you take business trips, you can also claim accommodation expenses and the cost of food and drinks.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>5. Staff costs<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Staff wages, subcontractor costs, and directors\u2019 salaries are all tax-deductible business expenses. This includes any employer\u2019s National Insurance contributions (NIC) you have to pay. You may also be able to claim the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/claim-employment-allowance\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Employment Allowance<\/a> to reduce your employers&#8217; NIC contributions by up to \u00a35,000 per year (2024-25 tax year) or \u00a310,500 per year (from 6 April 2025 onwards).<\/p>\n<h4>6. Clothing expenses<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Allowable clothing expenses include uniforms, protective clothing you need for your job, and costumes if you\u2019re an actor or entertainer. You can\u2019t claim tax relief for everyday clothing, even if you buy it for the sole purpose of wearing it for work.<\/p>\n<h4>7. Stock and materials<\/h4>\n<p>You can claim tax relief on costs relating to goods you buy for resale (stock), raw materials, and direct costs you incur from producing goods.<\/p>\n<p>You can\u2019t claim for any goods or materials you buy for private use, nor for the depreciation of equipment.<\/p>\n<h4>8. Legal and financial costs<\/h4>\n<p>Legal, accountancy and other professional fees usually count as allowable business expenses. You can claim tax relief on costs for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>hiring of solicitors, accountants, surveyors, and architects for business reasons<\/li>\n<li>professional indemnity insurance premiums<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/business-insurance-working-from-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">business insurance<\/a>, such as public liability insurance, employers&#8217; liability, and contents insurance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, you can\u2019t claim for legal costs relating to the purchase of property or fines you incur for breaking the law.<\/p>\n            <div class=\"revolut_shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/revolutbusiness.ngih.net\/daV2kQ\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/revolut_mobile.png\"\n                        alt=\"Revolut Business & Affiliates.\"\n                        class=\"revolut_shortcode-mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/revolut_desktop.png\"\n                        alt=\"Revolut Business & Affiliates.\"\n                        class=\"revolut_shortcode-desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n            \n<p>There are several business-related financial costs you can also offset against your profits to reduce your tax bill, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/business-bank-account-company\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">business bank account<\/a>, overdraft, and credit card charges<\/li>\n<li>interest on bank and business loans<\/li>\n<li>hire purchase interest<\/li>\n<li>leasing payments<\/li>\n<li>alternative finance payments<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, be aware that you can only claim up to \u00a3500 in interest and bank charges if you use cash-basis accounting. Further, you can\u2019t claim for repayments of loans, overdrafts, or finance arrangements.<\/p>\n<p>If you use traditional (accrual) accounting, you can claim tax relief on \u2018bad debts\u2019. These are customer debts that you&#8217;ve had to write off because you are certain they won&#8217;t be recovered in the future.<\/p>\n<h4>9. Training costs and professional subscriptions<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Training costs, professional development, and professional subscriptions are all tax-deductible business expenses if they relate to your occupation, industry, or business-related responsibilities.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>specialist training and refresher courses<\/li>\n<li>business skills courses, such as bookkeeping, social media, and web design<\/li>\n<li>magazine and journal subscriptions<\/li>\n<li>books<\/li>\n<li>membership fees of a trade body or registrations you need to enable you to trade legally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, you can\u2019t claim for courses that help you start a new business (e.g. retraining) or expand into new areas of business that aren\u2019t directly related to your current trade.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>10. Advertising, marketing and PR expenses<\/h4>\n<p>Goods and services you buy that relate to your advertising, marketing, and PR activities are all tax-deductible, provided you use them exclusively for business purposes. Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>creating and maintaining a website<\/li>\n<li>domain names<\/li>\n<li>advertising in newspapers, magazines, directories, or online publications<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>bulk mail advertising (mailshots)<\/li>\n<li>providing free samples<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These may be one-off costs or recurring expenses.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>11. Entertainment costs<\/h4>\n<p>You can claim <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/expenses-benefits-social-functions-parties\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">employee entertainment costs<\/a> if it\u2019s an annual event, open to all staff members, and costs less than \u00a3150 per person. However, you can\u2019t claim for expenses relating to event hospitality or entertaining clients, suppliers, and customers.<\/p>\n<h4>12. Equipment and machinery expenses<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>These types of expenses are called capital expenditures. You can\u2019t deduct the costs as business expenses, but you can claim capital allowances instead. We discuss this later in the post.<\/p>\n<h3>If you use your home as an office<\/h3>\n<p>Many small business owners are unaware that they can claim expenses for using their home as an office or workspace. If you run your business from home all or part of the time, you can claim a proportion of your household costs as business expenses, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>heating<\/li>\n<li>electricity<\/li>\n<li>Council Tax<\/li>\n<li>mortgage interest or rent<\/li>\n<li>Internet and telephone use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can calculate your working-from-home expenses based on the number of rooms in the property and the number of hours you spend in a particular room for business purposes.<\/p>\n                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/business-rates-running-a-business-from-home\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">Business rates when running a business from home<\/span><\/a>\n                    \n<p>Alternatively, if you&#8217;re self-employed, you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/simpler-income-tax-simplified-expenses\/working-from-home\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">simplified expenses<\/a> instead. This method provides a flat rate of up to \u00a326 per month. Simplified expenses are also available for vehicles and when you live at your business premises (e.g. if you run a guesthouse).<\/p>\n<h3>Business costs you can claim as capital allowances<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/capital-allowances\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Capital allowances<\/a> are business tax reliefs that allow you to deduct some or all of the value of capital expenditures from your business profits before tax. In most cases, you can deduct the full cost using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/capital-allowances\/annual-investment-allowance\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">annual investment allowance (AIA)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can claim capital allowances on plant and machinery you buy and keep to use in your business, which include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>machinery (e.g. computers and similar electronic devices, printers, heavy-duty devices with moving parts)<\/li>\n<li>office furniture<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>tools you require to do your job (e.g. hand tools, power tools)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>computer software<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>business vehicles (e.g. cars, vans, lorries)<\/li>\n<li>intellectual property<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>costs of demolishing plant and machinery<\/li>\n<li>parts of a building that are considered integral \u2013 these are known as \u2018integral features\u2019 (e.g. lifts, heating systems, air-conditioning, water systems, electrical systems)<\/li>\n<li>certain fixtures (e.g. fitted kitchens, bathroom suites, fire alarm and CCTV systems)<\/li>\n<li>alterations you make to a building to install plant and machinery (this doesn\u2019t include repairs)<\/li>\n<li>research and development<\/li>\n<li>structures and buildings<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <div class=\"hubspot_shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/hubspot.sjv.io\/OrKdGZ\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/hubspot_mobile.png\"\n                        alt=\"Get Started With HubSpot's Free Tools.\"\n                        class=\"hubspot_shortcode-mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-brand.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/hubspot_desktop.png\"\n                        alt=\"Get Started With HubSpot's Free Tools.\"\n                        class=\"hubspot_shortcode-desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        \n<p>If you rent out residential property, you can also claim capital allowances on items to be used in the rental property if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>you operate a furnished holiday lettings business<\/li>\n<li>the item is to be used in the common part of a residential building (e.g. a table in the communal hallway of a block of flats)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/self-employed-records\/overview\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">traditional accounting<\/a>, you can claim capital allowances when you buy items<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>to use in your business. In most cases, you can deduct the full cost of capital expenditure items using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/capital-allowances\/annual-investment-allowance\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">annual investment allowance (AIA)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you\u2019re self-employed with a business income of \u00a3150,000 or less per year, you may be able to use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/simpler-income-tax-cash-basis\/overview\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cash basis<\/a> instead. This system is more straightforward than claiming capital allowances.<\/p>\n<h3>If you claim the \u00a31,000 trading or property allowance<\/h3>\n<p>Self-employed people and individuals earning casual income on the side are entitled to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/tax-free-allowances-on-property-and-trading-income\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a31,000 tax-free allowance on property or trading income<\/a>. If you use either of these allowances, you cannot also claim expenses or capital allowances, nor can you use the Rent a Room Scheme.<\/p>\n<h3>Dual purpose expenditure<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s not uncommon for business owners to purchase and use items for both business and private reasons, such as mobile phones, broadband, computers, and trips.<\/p>\n<p>Since you can only claim allowable expenses for the business element of such costs, you need to identify and determine the proportion of the expenditure related to the business. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your mobile phone bill for the tax year is \u00a3300<\/li>\n<li>This comprises \u00a3170 spent on personal calls and \u00a3130 on business calls<\/li>\n<li>You can only claim tax relief on the \u00a3130<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are some dual-purpose expenses where the business and private elements cannot be separated (e.g. certain clothing or meals). In these instances, you can&#8217;t claim any proportion of the cost as a business expense.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Using vehicles outside your business<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The cost of any vehicle you buy for your business is a capital allowance rather than an allowable business expense.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you are self-employed and also use your car for private purposes, you must determine how much you can claim based on the proportion of business use.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you provide a car to an employee or director through your business, you can claim capital allowances on the total cost of the vehicle.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Cars don\u2019t qualify for the annual investment allowance, super-deduction, full expensing, or 50% first-year allowances. You need to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/work-out-capital-allowances\/writing-down-allowances\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">writing down allowances<\/a> to work out how much you can claim.<\/p>\n<h3>How to claim business expenses if you\u2019re self-employed<\/h3>\n<p>As a self-employed sole trader or partner, you must keep meticulous records of all business income and expenses for your tax return. After the end of the tax year, add up all of your allowable business expenses for that period and enter the total amount in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/self-assessment-tax-returns\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Self Assessment tax return<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You don\u2019t need to include proof of your expenses when you submit the return. However, you should keep your records for at least 6 years after the end of the tax year to which they relate. This will ensure you have everything you need if HMRC asks to see your records.<\/p>\n<p>                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/remember-to-file-your-self-assessment-tax-return-by-31st-january\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">Remember to file your Self Assessment tax return by 31 January<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/self-assessment-tax-return-mistakes\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">6 common Self Assessment tax return mistakes and how to avoid them<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/self-assessment-guidance-for-company-directors-and-shareholders\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">Self Assessment guidance for company directors and shareholders<\/span><\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n<p>The Self Assessment system will deduct your expenses from your taxable profits. This means you won\u2019t have to pay any Income Tax or National Insurance contributions on those particular costs.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You can also claim capital allowances in your Self Assessment tax return or Partnership Tax Return. If you use writing down allowances, you can claim at any time as long as you still own the item. However, if you use any of the other capital allowances, you must claim them during the accounting period in which you purchased the item.<\/p>\n<p>Contact HMRC\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/contact\/hm-revenue-customs\/self-assessment\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Self Assessment helpline<\/a> if you\u2019re unsure whether a business cost is an allowable expense or capital allowance that you can claim.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How to claim business expenses as a limited company<\/h3>\n<p>Limited company accounting is generally more complex. To claim allowable expenses and capital allowances, you must deduct the costs from your profits before tax when preparing your company\u2019s annual accounts.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You need to submit a copy of the accounts with your Company Tax Return (form CT600), along with computations showing how the figures in the return have been derived from the figures in the accounts. If you\u2019re claiming capital allowances, you must include a separate calculation in the return.<\/p>\n<p>                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/preparing-a-company-tax-return\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">Preparing a Company Tax Return &#8211; a simple guide<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/preparing-annual-accounts-limited-company\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">Preparing annual accounts for your limited company<\/span><\/a>\n                                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/how-corporation-tax-works\/\" class=\"related\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\"><span class=\"related-title\">How Corporation Tax works<\/span><\/a>\n                    <\/p>\n<p>When filing your Company Tax Return, you work out your profit or loss for Corporation Tax (this is different from the profit or loss in your accounts) and your Corporation Tax bill. Your Corporation Tax liability is based on your taxable profits after deducting all expenses, allowances, reliefs, and losses.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Depending on your profit level, your company will pay Corporation Tax at a rate between 19% and 25%. You must pay your bill no later than 9 months after the end of the Corporation Tax accounting period that it relates to. Your tax return is due 12 months after the end of the accounting period.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I reclaim VAT paid on business expenses?<\/h3>\n<p>If you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/register-for-vat\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">register your business for VAT<\/a>, you can reclaim the VAT paid on most\u00a0goods and services you buy to use in your business. The ability to recover VAT on business expenses is one of the main benefits of registration.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Again, if there is an element of personal use with any of these items, you can only recover the business proportion of the VAT.<\/p>\n<p>You can also reclaim VAT paid on business expenses purchased prior to VAT registration if you bought them within:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>4 years &#8211; for goods you still have, or goods that you used to make other goods you still have<\/li>\n<li>6 months &#8211; for services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, you can only reclaim for the business that is currently registered for VAT (rather than another business). They must also relate to your \u2018business purpose\u2019 (i.e. the VAT-taxable goods or services you supply).<\/p>\n<h3>Thanks for reading<\/h3>\n<p>Every type of business incurs various costs, but knowing which expenses are eligible for tax relief can be confusing. Whether you&#8217;re a sole trader or a company owner, claiming the right expenses can help you reduce your tax bills and keep more of your hard-earned profits.<\/p>\n<p>We always recommend that you seek professional advice and help from an accountant. Doing so will ensure you&#8217;re claiming the correct expenses, saving as much money as possible, and running a tax-efficient business.<\/p>\n<p>Please feel free to comment below if you have any questions about this post. You can also find more small business advice and tax guidance on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Quality Company Formations Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n            <div class=\"complete_package__shortcode\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/fully-inclusive-package\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-quality.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/custom\/images\/blog\/qcf-blog_sidebar.png?v=2\"\n                        alt=\"Fully Inclusive Package Special Offer\"\n                        class=\"complete_package__mobile\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-quality.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\/assets\/custom\/images\/blog\/qcf-blog_banner.png?v=3\"\n                        alt=\"Complete Package Special Offer\"\n                        class=\"complete_package__desktop\">\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        \n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When running any type of business in the UK, most or all of the expenses you incur may be tax-deductible. You can claim allowable business expenses on your tax returns by deducting the costs from your gross income. This reduces your taxable profits, which in turn lowers your tax bill. You can also claim capital&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":12790,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[1239],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12780","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tax-accounting-finance","category-1239","description-off"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.5 (Yoast SEO v23.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Do I Pay Tax on My Business Expenses?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We discuss what business expenses you can claim and how to claim allowable expenses on your Self Assessment tax return or Company Tax Return.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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