Business expenses you didn’t know you could write off

When you’re running a small business, every penny counts, including those you can save through legitimate tax deductions.  

You’re probably aware of standard write-offs like office supplies and staff wages, but what about the more obscure write-offs available to your business?  

In this blog we delve into unknown business expenses that are perfectly legitimate in the eyes of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). 

• Morning coffee: If you’re buying coffee for your staff to keep the office running smoothly, this can be a deductible expense. The tea and coffee must be available to all staff.  
• Industry publications: Subscriptions to industry-related magazines or online platforms are typically deductible. However, they must be related to your business. 
• Professional development: Educational courses designed to improve employee performance are often deductible. Keep records of course fees and related expenses to claim back in future. 
• Business gifts: You can deduct costs of gifts to clients or suppliers, up to a certain limit per year. A gift below £50 (that isn’t food, drink, or tobacco) is not subject to tax. 

• Software: From project management tools to specialised software, digital assets are usually tax-deductible. 
• Networking events: Costs of attendance at industry conferences and local networking events are often tax deductible. 

Business expenses and your home office 

Utilising a home office for business purposes offers several tax advantages and since the pandemic this has become a much more popular working arrangement. 

In the UK, you can claim a portion of your household costs like rent, electricity, and Wi-Fi as expenses, so long as business is done on the premises. 

This ‘use of home’ expense is proportionate to the amount of space used solely for business activities.  

Keeping meticulous records is crucial for maximising all the above deductions.  

The key to all the above deductions is meticulous record-keeping and consulting a qualified tax advisor. Don’t miss opportunities to optimise your tax situation and boost your business’s financial health. 

You should consult one of our tax advisors to make sure you’re fully compliant and optimising your tax situation.  

To speak to one of our experts, get in touch.