5 Allowable Expenses for the Self-Employed in the UK – And Why an Accountant Can Help

If you’re self-employed in the UK, managing your finances effectively is crucial. One of the most effective ways to reduce your tax bill is by claiming allowable expenses. These are legitimate business costs that HMRC allows you to deduct from your income, ensuring you only pay tax on your actual profit.

The challenge many sole traders and freelancers face is knowing exactly what can be claimed—and how to do it correctly. Getting it wrong could mean missing out on valuable tax savings, or worse, attracting unwanted attention from HMRC. That’s why understanding the basics and working with an accountant can make all the difference.

5 Common Expenses You Can Claim as Self-Employed

1. Office Costs
From stationery and printer ink to phone bills and internet, these everyday running costs quickly add up. If you work from home, you may also be able to claim a proportion of household bills such as heating, electricity, and council tax.

2. Travel Expenses
Fuel, train fares, parking fees, and hotel stays for business trips are all usually claimable. However, it’s important to remember that commuting to and from your normal place of work is not an allowable expense.

3. Marketing and Advertising
Business promotion is a vital part of growth. Expenses like website hosting, social media advertising, and printed materials such as business cards can all be offset against your tax bill.

4. Professional Fees and Subscriptions
Membership to professional bodies, industry journals, and the costs of hiring business-related services such as accountants or solicitors are often deductible.

5. Equipment and Tools
From laptops and office furniture to specialist equipment, many business assets can be claimed either as allowable expenses or through capital allowances.

Why Work With an Accountant?

While HMRC’s categories appear straightforward, the rules are far more nuanced in practice. For example, calculating how much of your home can be claimed as office space requires care, and distinguishing between an expense and a capital allowance can affect how much you save.

A qualified accountant ensures that:

• You maximise every deduction available.

• Mixed-use expenses (like phone bills or utilities) are apportioned correctly.

• Claims comply fully with HMRC self-employed tax rules.

• You save time, avoid stress, and focus on running your business.

Beyond compliance, accountants provide strategic tax planning, helping you structure claims in a way that reduces your tax bill not just this year, but over the long term.

For the self-employed, every deduction matters. By working with an accountant, you can run your business with confidence, knowing you’re retaining every pound you’re entitled to.