The Business Bulletin
…what can I get away with?! As an accountant, these are the most common type of questions I get asked by my sole trader clients (the answers below may be different if you run a limited company!).
There are so many tax rules and many
■ Uniforms: HMRC define this
grey areas especially when it comes to
as being “a set of specialised
business expenses!
clothing that is recognisable as
Everyone wants to make sure they are claiming everything they can in order to reduce their tax bill. HMRC like business expenses to be wholly and exclusively for the business so
identifying someone as having a particular occupation”. Such as nurses, police, fire fighters etc ■ Costume: if you are an
for work). Such as suits, shirts, dresses etc This also includes evening wear if you need to attend an awards ceremony.
Training costs
entertainer you can claim
HMRC will look at the existing trade
for your costumes. If you are
and provided the training undertaken
a musician then jeans and
is to update existing skills and
a t-shirt will not count as a
expertise relating to the business then
cover some of the common expenses
costume but if you are a clown
it is usually allowed.
I get asked about.
you can claim your clown outfit!
things with dual-use are usually not able to be claimed for. So I thought it would be useful to
Workwear
■ Branded items: Clothing with your business logo on them.
We all have workwear of some
It needs to be easily visible (so
description so can anything be
not too small) and permanent
claimed for?
(stitched/printed on rather than a removable badge).
high vis vests, helmets, safety
■ An accountant going on a tax update course ■ A hairdresser going on a hair colouring course ■ An electrician learning about
Allowed: ■ Protective clothing: Such as
Examples could include:
Not allowed: ■ Anything that could be seen
new regulations But if it is a course to become
boots, overalls, trousers with
as your everyday clothes (even
newly qualified in something then the
padded knees etc.
if you only wear them only
costs will not be allowable.
24 | Issue 13 – Finance | 24
