Expenses and Mileage Guides
Expenses and mileage can make a real difference to a sole trader’s tax bill, but weak records and missed claims can cause problems. These guides explain what usually counts and what evidence to keep.
Key guides
Start here
Still Using Paper Receipts? Why That Could Become a Problem in 2026
Shoeboxes of paper receipts have worked for years, but Making Tax Digital makes digital records mandatory for many sole traders. Here's what has to change — and how to make it painless.
Read moreWhat Expenses Can Sole Traders Claim? The UK Guide Most People Need
A plain-English UK guide to what expenses sole traders can claim against tax - from mileage and home office to software, training and insurance.
Read moreCan I Claim My Mobile Phone as a Business Expense?
Can you claim your mobile phone as a business expense? Here's how HMRC's wholly and exclusively rule works for sole traders, and why most people underclaim.
Read moreAll guides
All expenses and mileage articles
The Year Is Already Half Gone: Are You Keeping the Right Records?
The calendar year is half gone and the first MTD quarter has closed. A mid-year record-keeping checklist for sole traders who want a stress-free tax season.
Read moreCan I Claim My Home Internet as a Business Expense?
Can sole traders claim home broadband against tax? How HMRC's wholly and exclusively rule applies to internet costs, and how to work out a fair business proportion.
Read moreThe Five-Minute Monthly Habit That Could Save You Hours at Tax Time
Most tax stress comes from rebuilding a year of records in January. One five-minute monthly habit makes Self Assessment, Making Tax Digital and expense tracking dramatically easier.
Read moreTax Tips for Builders and Labourers: CIS, Tools and Travel
Builders and labourers often overpay tax. Practical tips on CIS deductions, claiming tools, business mileage and keeping records ready for Making Tax Digital.
Read moreHow Much Could the New 55p Mileage Rate Save You?
The mileage allowance has risen from 45p to 55p per mile. Real-world examples showing how much extra tax-free reimbursement workers and sole traders could claim.
Read moreThe Mileage Mistakes That Cost Sole Traders Hundreds Every Year
Mileage is one of the easiest expenses to claim, yet one of the most badly managed. The common mileage mistakes costing UK sole traders hundreds of pounds every year.
Read moreWhat Counts as Business Mileage? HMRC's Rules Explained Simply
Business mileage sounds simple until you try claiming it. A plain-English guide to what counts as business mileage under HMRC's rules - and what does not.
Read moreUK Raises Tax-Free Mileage Rate to 55p After 15-Year Freeze
After 15 years frozen at 45p, HMRC's approved mileage rate rises to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles - what it means for workers and the self-employed.
Read moreThe £1,000 Mistake: Why Small Business Owners Miss Easy Tax Savings
Most small business owners miss legitimate tax deductions worth hundreds of pounds every year. Travel, home office costs, tools and professional services are among the most commonly forgotten expenses. Here's how to ensure nothing is missed.
Read moreExpenses You Didn't Know You Could Claim (And Why It Matters)
Most self-employed people miss out on legitimate expenses every year. Here's what you can actually claim — from home costs to training, mileage and subscriptions — and how it reduces your tax bill.
Read moreKeep exploring
Related tax topics
Sole Trader Tax Guides
What to file, what records to keep, what you can claim and which mistakes to avoid.
ExploreMaking Tax Digital Guides
Who is affected, what quarterly updates mean and how to prepare before the rules apply.
ExploreSide Income Tax Guides
When side income becomes reportable and how to stay organised through the year.
ExploreFree download
Get the Free MTD Checklist
Not sure if you're ready for Making Tax Digital? Download our free checklist and find out in two minutes.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.