Self employed accoutancy questions?

Question

I work in a lot of different locations...

1. Am I allowed to claim for all food eaten when I'm at work?

2. If I'm travelling up the country and buy eg a sandwich, can I claim that as well?

3. If I work away from home for a period of time, could I claim for all expenses incurred in that period, eg food, accomodation, going out and buying a beer in the evening....?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Answer 1

1. Food eaten when at work used to be allowable but now no longer is - it is regarded as sustinance and it not tax deductable. If you take someone to lunch, however, that is.

2. If you have a client with you, you can claim both sandwiches!

3. You can claim all your accommodation bill - which may include i.e. dinner, bed and breakfast as one bill. However generally your beer is down to you!

Answer 2

Actually I thought the answer to 1 and 2 were no, and I'm self-employed. However, if you have to stay away overnight you can claim subsistence, which includes food and accommodation. Regarding drink, you may be able to claim if you buy a drink for a (potential) client since this comes under the heading of promotion. The notes that accompany the self-assessment tax return explain what you can and cannot claim.

Answer 3

The inland revenue has dispensation limits for what is claimable without having to pay income tax.
Look on their website for details, but basically anything classed as a tangible benefit outside work should be taxed (personal income tax).
I believe that the current limits are £3.85 breakfast, £6 for lunch and £9.25 for evening meal. You could claim your hotel costs back with receipts.
Going out for beer cannot be classed as a work expense unless you're entertaining clients.
In short, claim whatever you want, but don't be surprised if the taxman audits you.

Answer 4

1) No

2) No

3)No (accomodation + probably meal if part of accomodation price) But def. not a beer in the evening.

Answer 5

yes, you can but not for going out and a beer. Just keep all reciepts in a safe place... Without that -no deduction

Answer 6

(if you drive a car, car;) - I’ll tax the street;
(if you try to sit, sit;) - I’ll tax your seat;
(if you get too cold, cold;) - I’ll tax the heat;
(if you take a walk, walk;) - I'll tax your feet.
Taxman!

'Cause I’m the taxman,
Yeah, I’m the taxman.