tax queries

j22_2

hi tony. i am a self employed sub contractor and i do not run or own a busines,im the building trade earning less than £15,000 a year, can i claim anything back on my car insurance. and is it possible to claim anything back for my partner/girlfriend for doing my invoices and paperwork. And i got sum tools from a car boot sale can i clam back on this with no receipts.And if you know there is anthing else i could claim on.

thanking you

james

Elaine_Wilson

If you're self-employed then you are running a business.

You can claim for all expenses which are wholly and exclusively for the business. This will obviously include things like tools. You do not necessarily need receipts but remember that you may have to convince an Inspector of Taxes that the money was actually spent. Well written, up-to-date records will often be enough.

For things such as motor expenses, where there is private as well as businesss use, you are allowed to apportion the costs and claim for the business element. In your case I would have thought you would be better to put a charge in your accounts at 40p per mile instead of the proportion of actual costs. This is a concession which applies to small businesses. You will need to have a record of business miles. Travelling from home to work is considered a private journey so if you are site-based you might find that most of your mileage is not allowable. Post back with more details of your journeys if you want more information.

If you actually pay your partner to keep your books and assuming the rate is reasonable then this is a proper business expense. Don't forget that she will have to declare this income and pay tax on it so overall you may not gain much.

Other claims might include Public Liability insurance, stationery, postage, trade magazines.