What percentage can I claim against tax?

GlasgowDentist

Hello all,

I'm new to tax returns as I have recently become self-employed since qualifying as a dentist

I don't own a practice or anything so from speaking to colleagues my tax returns should be relatively straight forward.

I have bought a laptop and a Pay as you go iPhone primarily for work (I use the iPhone for the GPS to visit patients homes, make calls, organiser, dictation..all sorts really) but I also end up using them now and again for personal use as well.

Would I be allowed to put the total cost of these items against tax, and if not, what percentage can I claim?

All comments welcome

Thanks

brook2jack

For this year only use an accountant then do them yourself. They will give you all the info about what you can write off against tax (surprisingly little as an associate. I think you will be hard put to claim much on phone unless you do a very large percentage of domicillary visits, and unless there are no computer facilities at work you may be hard pressed on the computer).

Many many colleagues are caught out by tax problems in their early years and a tax investigation has normally been the result.

I know things are very tight the first years as an associate bit use a knowledgable dental accountant , not just any old one, ask the right questions this year, then be confident in doing your own accounts and what you can legitimately claim next year.

jugglebug

I have always used a specialist dental accountant as even though I am not a practice owner I have always managed to complicate my finances, through such things as having rental property etc on the side.
It really its worthwhile using a specialist. If you are confident afterwards by all means do it yourself but you need to start off on the right foot.
nasda is the association for dental accountants. Dont be tempted by a non specialist, dentistry is a bit unusual in some areas

GlasgowDentist

Thanks to both of you for your quick responses.

Just now I average about one domicillary visit a week. I currently work three 12-hours shifts rather than the usual 9-5 which means I end up taking my paperwork home and doing clerical work on my days off.

Jugglebug, any ideas as to what I can expect to pay for a specialist dental accountant?

I wonder if it would even be an option just to pay for a meeting with a speicalist accountant where I can discuss my situation and find out what I can and cannot claim for, then simply do my own tax return after I've been informed?

Any thoughts?

Thanks again