Expenses and mileage

Keep what you spend on the business, with a photo of each receipt, and your business miles. Each expense goes under the same heading as on the HMRC self-employment tax return, so at the end of the tax year the totals are ready for you or your accountant.

For example: Screwfix, £36 including £6 VAT, “Materials”, for the Patel bathroom job, receipt photographed in the van. Plus 18 miles there and back: 45p a mile, £8.10.

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Which mileage rates?
HMRC’s simplified rates: cars and vans 45p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles in the tax year and 25p after that, motorbikes 24p, bicycles 20p. If you claim mileage this way you don’t also claim the vehicle’s running costs. Your accountant can tell you which way suits you.

Is this my tax return?
No. It keeps your records and totals them under the right headings. You, or your accountant, still send the return to HMRC.

Can I take a photo on my phone?
Yes. On a phone, “Receipt photo” opens the camera.