Self-assessment/ Expenses

monkey_shoulder

I am a Vehicle Delivery Driver, and, as I believe is usual in this line of work, although I work for only one company, I am self-employed. I am doing my self-assessment tax return for the first time and would appreciate a little guidance.
The company pay me for each delivery, per mile, and pay my fuel, and traveling expenses between drop off and pick up. I also incur other expenses, phone, office costs, hotels, meals etc.which I expect to claim against tax.
The tax return asks for my "turnover". Should this be what I am left with after the expenses are paid? Or should I enter the total monies paid to me including expenses paid, then enter all my expenses (paid or unpaid) in the "allowable business expenses" section?
Talking of expenses, the company tell me that I can claim a "large daily allowance" for meals. Can anyone tell me where on HMRC's or any website there are details of this and other allowances?
Cheers.

Pennywise

monkey_shoulder wrote: »

The tax return asks for my "turnover". Should this be what I am left with after the expenses are paid? Or should I enter the total monies paid to me including expenses paid, then enter all my expenses (paid or unpaid) in the "allowable business expenses" section?

Turnover is the total monies paid to you, including your time and expenses.

All your expenses (reimbursed or not) then go in the expenses section.

monkey_shoulder

Thank you for confirming that Pennywise. As a driver working for one company, It's a bit vague whether I am self-employed or not. I only have one customer, and they decide what I am paid. It is not like a usual business.
The expenses that they pay for are fuel and travel. Everything else, they say I can claim against tax. So is there a limit to how much I can claim for say, food and drink? I was thinking of claiming about £5 a day. Do I have to have receipts for everything I claim for?
I use my home as an office. The HMRC flat rate is £10 a month. That doesn't seem enough.