One of the most common questions we hear at Jenners Accountants in Hereford is: “What expenses can I put through my business?”
As one of the longest-established accountancy firms in Hereford, our clients often come to us looking for clarity. Getting it right matters – claim too little and you pay more tax than you should, claim too much and HMRC could challenge it.
The golden rule is simple: an expense must be “wholly and exclusively” for the purpose of your business.
So, what does that mean in practice? Here are the main categories most business owners can claim:
Office Costs
- Rent, utilities, business rates
- Stationery, postage, software subscriptions
- Working from home? You may be able to claim a proportion of household bills.
Travel and Transport
- Mileage (45p per mile up to 10,000 miles, then 25p per mile)
- Parking, train, and bus fares
- Accommodation and meals when travelling for business
- 🚫 Not claimable: ordinary commuting from home to your usual place of work.
Staff and Subcontractors
- Salaries and wages
- Subcontractor payments (including CIS deductions)
- Employer’s National Insurance and pension contributions
- Training that helps your employees in their current role
Marketing and Advertising
- Website hosting and design
- Business cards, leaflets, and promotional materials
- Online advertising (Google, Facebook, LinkedIn ads)
- Sponsorship of local events
Professional Fees
- Accountancy fees (yes – including Jenners Accountants!)
- Legal fees for business matters
- Bank charges, loan interest, insurance
Equipment and Tools
- Computers, phones, printers
- Tools, machinery, protective clothing
- Furniture and fittings for your office or workshop
Entertaining and Subsistence
- Meals when you’re out for business
- Staff parties (up to £150 per head per year is tax-free)
- 🚫 Client entertaining isn’t usually allowable for tax – though it may still be worthwhile commercially
Keep Good Records
- The key to smooth expense claims is good bookkeeping. Keep receipts, invoices, and mileage logs. Using accounting software makes this much easier.
Final Thought
Every business is different, so what you can claim will depend on your circumstances. If you’re not sure whether an expense qualifies, it’s best to ask – it could save you both tax and headaches down the line.
Looking for a good accountant or searching for accountancy firms near me?
Jenners is a trusted name in Hereford and beyond.
Call us on 01432 379988 or contact us here: https://www.jennersacc.co.uk/contact
About Jenners
At Jenners, we’ve built our reputation as one of the leading accountancy firms in Hereford. Whether you’re a sole trader, a limited company, or part of the construction sector, our friendly team is here to take the stress out of tax and accounting. If you’ve been searching for an accountancy company near me, you’ve just found us.