What Business Expenses Can I Claim? (And What To Avoid!)
“Can I Claim This?” (A.K.A The Freelancer’s Favourite Question)
Let’s be honest—we’ve all stood in the middle of a stationery aisle holding a pastel highlighter thinking, “Is this tax-deductible?”
If you’ve asked yourself “Can I claim this?” you’re not alone. The world of allowable business expenses in the UK can feel like a cross between a maths exam and a game of Guess Who—but it really doesn’t have to be that complicated.
Let’s break it down, plain-English style. No jargon, no fear. Just practical info to help you keep more of what you earn.
What Actually Counts as a Business Expense?
Here’s the rule of thumb:
If you spent the money wholly and exclusively for business purposes—it probably counts.
So no, your weekly shop or your dog’s grooming appointment won’t make the cut. But your business web hosting fee? Absolutely.
Easy examples of claimable business expenses:
Your Canva Pro subscription
A second screen or laptop stand for your desk
Website domain + hosting
Zoom Pro or Calendly
Business insurance
Travel to client meetings
Accountant or bookkeeping fees
Mentoring or training (like a Power Hour… just saying 😘)
Top Claimable Expenses for Freelancers, Creatives, Coaches & Consultants
Let’s get more specific. Here’s a quick-hit guide to popular expenses for the Hey Hopscotch crowd:
| Category | Examples You Can Claim |
|---|---|
| Home Office | A portion of your heating, electricity, broadband, rent or mortgage interest (based on how much time/space you use for work) |
| Software & Tools | Canva, Adobe, Zoom, Google Workspace, scheduling tools |
| Equipment | Laptop, ring light, mic, business phone |
| Marketing | Website costs, ads, branding shoots, email platforms |
| Professional Services | Accountant, legal advice, business mentoring |
| Networking & Events | Event tickets, travel to networking, relevant memberships |
| Education & Training | Business courses, CPD, mentor sessions (check relevance to your current biz) |
| Travel & Subsistence | Train tickets, mileage, coffee or meals while travelling for work |
What Not to Claim (Sorry!)
Some things are tempting to sneak onto the business card, but won’t pass the HMRC sniff test.
Expenses to avoid:
Childcare (yes, even if it lets you work)
General clothes (unless it’s protective clothing or branded)
Client gifts over £50 (and even then, lots of rules)
Lunch at your kitchen table
Personal Spotify or Netflix accounts
Golden Rule: If there’s a clear personal benefit—or it’s not directly related to running your business—it’s probably not allowed.
How to Keep Track Without Going Bonkers
You don’t need to be spreadsheet royalty. But a little system goes a long way.
Start with these steps:
Separate your accounts. Use a business account for all biz transactions (Starling or Monzo are great).
Snap receipts. Use apps like 1Tap Receipts or QuickBooks Self-Employed to upload on the go.
Log everything weekly. Friday latte + 15 minutes = financial zen.
Use a software tool. FreeAgent is fab and comes free with some bank accounts.
FAQs: What You Really Want to Know
Can I claim part of my rent or mortgage?
Yes—if you work from home, you can claim a portion. Either use HMRC’s flat-rate method or calculate based on space/time.
Can I claim childcare costs?
Sadly, no. Even though it totally helps you work, HMRC says childcare is a personal cost.
Can I claim for clothes or makeup?
Only if it’s protective clothing or part of your brand (think uniforms, not your favourite Zara blazer).
What about meals?
If you’re travelling for business (not working from your kitchen), yes—you can claim reasonable meals.
Do I need to keep every single receipt?
Yep, or digital copies. HMRC can ask for proof up to 6 years later (but don’t panic, apps make this easy).
Summary: Let’s Make This Simple
If it’s 100% business-related, it’s probably claimable
Get a system going (your future self will thank you)
When in doubt—ask your accountant (or book a Power Hour!)
Don’t let tax panic stop you from building the biz you love
🎯 Ready to Keep More of What You Earn?
If you’ve been winging it with receipts or still wondering “can I claim this?”—you don’t have to figure it out alone. Book a Power Hour with Rachael Savage for a personalised walk-through of what’s allowed, what to ditch, and how to make tax feel way less stressful.
Or grab our free Self-Employed Starter Pack—no jargon, no overwhelm, just support you can actually use.
→ One hour with a mentor = way less stress + way more money in your pocket.
You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.
