Self Assesment Question - Deductible Expenses

ex_directory

Hi,
I am a self-employed freelance aerobics instructor filling in SA forms. I only earn enough to hit the 10% tax bracket.

Regarding my expenses, I have receipts for items like dance cd's, equipment etc but what items can I consider a deductible expense that I would not neccessarily have individual receipts for?

I currently have mileage expenses of £65 and telephone set at £25 and that is about it.

I do choreography in the house before most sessions (arguably lighting/heating deductible expense?).

Not looking to avoid tax, just don't want to pay more than I should!

Thanks,
Jane

Elaine_Wilson

Yes, you would be entitled to some deduction for the extra costs incurred in your home by running the business. Extra heat and light charges would be caused by the choreography work and the general administration of your business. I wouldn't suggest you claim more than is appropriate but a figure of £2 per week or less is unlikely to be queried.

Since my idea of exercise is lifting a full wine glass to my lips I'm not sure what your business entails but do you ever spend on -

Stationery
postage
liability insurance
printing costs, especially if you use your own computer
advertising (say in newsagents' windows)

My mind's gone blank. Can't think of anything else at the moment.

boiledegg

Can I please ask your opinion? my accountant has said that I can claim for some overnight hotel stays when seeing my clients even though I didn;t keep receipts - I'm not sure about this.
I am a self employed marketing consultant and visit quite a few clients to get new business - the accountant told me about the 40p milage allowance with no reciepts which I checked on the government website with and am happy about, but I'm not clear about the hotel one, even though it would be good for me - any advice?

ex_directory

Hi Elaine, thanks for this.

Is it ok to claim the weekly cost for house lighting etc, I recall reading somewhere on this forum about issues with CGT when you come to sell your house or am I understanding this incorrectly?

Elaine_Wilson wrote: »

but do you ever spend on -
Stationery
postage
liability insurance
printing costs, especially if you use your own computer
advertising (say in newsagents' windows)

I could put £5 down each for Stationery/Postage. Yes I do reguarly print posters, with printing costs, just a nominal figure again, say a cartridge of ink cost at £15 be ok do you think?

Jane

ex_directory

Anyone any further thoughts, before I submit?

All help appreciated at this late stage!

Jane