Ltd co - allowable expenses for lunch

[Deleted User]

I've just set up a Ltd company to do computer contracting and have just started working at client site (so my home is my office).

I understand that I claim 45p mile as mileage allowance but I've also heard I can claim for lunch (since I'm away from my office). Bit confused - anyone know if I need receipts or if there is a fixed amount per day?

Pennywise

[quote=[Deleted User];discussion/3259712]I've just set up a Ltd company to do computer contracting and have just started working at client site (so my home is my office).

I understand that I claim 45p mile as mileage allowance but I've also heard I can claim for lunch (since I'm away from my office). Bit confused - anyone know if I need receipts or if there is a fixed amount per day?[/QUOTE]

Have a read:-

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/eimanual/eim05200.htm

You can claim a fixed daily amount upon approval from HMRC by applying for a P11d dispensation or simply writing to them to ask.

Otherwise you need to keep receipts and claim the actual amount incurred.

NB in both cases, you actually have to spend the money. You can't take sandwiches and claim it. It's designed to cover the "extra" costs you incur because you're working away, i.e. towards a cafe, canteen, vending machine, etc., where costs are generally higher than if you made your own lunch at home.