ReceiptTrack
Business expenses in the UK: what you can usually claim
A business expense is usually a cost you incurred for running the business. For self-employed people, GOV.UK says running costs can be deducted from business income if they are allowable. Keep proof and use a reasonable method for mixed business and personal costs. Expense review is about facts and evidence. You need to know what was bought, whether it was for the business, whether it was wholly or partly business use, what proof exists, and whether another rule such as the trading allowance changes the approach. A practical expense guide for small businesses that explains the idea, common examples, and why proof still matters.
Key takeaways
- Expense rules depend on facts, so do not treat examples as a guarantee.
- Mixed-use costs need a reasonable split and a note explaining the method.
- You cannot claim itemised expenses if you use the trading allowance instead.
- A category label does not make an expense allowable; the facts do.
- High-volume small costs deserve review because they can quietly become material.
- The safest expense workflow separates clear business costs, mixed-use costs and accountant questions.