Guides
Better records. Better prepared projects.
Plain-English UK guidance for builders and sole traders who want clearer expenses and better-organised records.
Practical answers for working trades
Start with the full guide to claiming expenses, or choose a specific topic.
Can I claim tools on my tax return if I'm self-employed?
Short answer: yes, tools bought for your trade are an allowable business cost. The only real question is whether it goes down as a running cost or as equipment.
4 min read
Van, fuel and mileage: what can a self-employed tradesperson claim?
You can either claim the business share of your actual van costs, or use HMRC's flat mileage rate. You cannot mix the two for the same vehicle.
5 min read
Work boots, hi-vis and workwear: what's claimable?
Protective clothing and branded workwear are allowable. Ordinary clothing is not — the test is whether it is genuinely protective or a uniform, not whether you only wear it for work.
3 min read
Working from home as a sole trader: what you can claim
Even if the work happens on site, the paperwork happens at home. You can claim either a flat rate based on hours, or a fair proportion of your household running costs.
4 min read
How long do I need to keep receipts as a UK sole trader?
Keep business records for at least five years after the 31 January submission deadline for the relevant tax year. Digital copies are accepted, so a clear photo is enough.
4 min read
Making Tax Digital for sole traders: what it means for your records
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax changes how sole traders keep records and report to HMRC. The headline change is simple: your income and expenses have to be kept digitally, not on paper.
5 min read