When you’re running a business—whether as a sole trader or through a limited company—understanding what you can and can’t claim as a business expense can feel like wandering through a maze blindfolded. You’ve probably found yourself asking:
“Can I claim my mobile phone?”
“What about my home office?”
“Is coffee with a client a business expense?”
Sound familiar?
The good news is, getting clarity on what’s allowable not only saves you money—it also means you can stop second-guessing yourself every time you make a purchase “for the business.”
Let’s break it down in plain English (no jargon, we promise) and help you feel confident about what you’re claiming.
What Counts as a Business Expense?
The general rule is: if the cost is incurred wholly, exclusively for the purpose of running your business, it’s likely claimable.
That includes things like:
- Office supplies
- Software and subscriptions
- Business travel
- Marketing and advertising
- Staff salaries
- Accountancy fees (yes, even us!)
But the details vary depending on whether you’re a sole trader or running a limited company. And that’s where most of the confusion creeps in.
Why It Matters
Getting your expenses right isn’t just about staying on HMRC’s good side (though that’s a pretty good reason!). It also means:
- You don’t pay more tax than you need to
- Your business finances are more accurate
- You avoid those annoying last-minute scrambles when it’s time for your tax return or year-end accounts
Two Handy Guides—Just for You
We’ve created two super useful, easy-to-digest expense guides—no fluff, no accounting waffle, just the info you actually need.
This guide is perfect if you’re self-employed and want to be sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.
This one’s for you if you’re running your business through a limited company and want to understand how to separate personal and business expenses properly.
Each guide gives you real-life examples, common expenses you might be missing out on, and a clear explanation of what’s allowed. Plus, you’ll get a handy checklist to keep for future reference.
Still Unsure?
We get it—expenses can be a grey area, especially when you’re wearing all the hats in your business. If you’d like help getting your accounts in order, or if you just want to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table, we’re here to help.
Book a free discovery call and let’s take the stress out of your business finances.
