Knowing what you can and can’t claim as a business expense can be confusing, especially for sole traders, contractors, and home-based businesses. To help, we’ve put together a list of the most commonly missed tax-deductible expenses so you can maximize your claims and reduce your tax bill.

1. Vehicle Expenses 

If you use your vehicle for business, you can claim:
✔️ Petrol
✔️ Repairs & maintenance
✔️ WOF & registration
✔️ Parking fees

💡 Personal Use Adjustment: If you use your vehicle for both work and personal trips, you’ll need to keep a logbook for 3 months to determine your business use percentage.

2. Travel Costs 

You can claim accommodation, food, and drinks while travelling for business.
❌ BUT: Your daily commute from home to your office is not deductible.

3. Depreciation on Assets 

Instead of claiming large purchases outright, you depreciate them over time.
✔️ Computers & office furniture
✔️ Laptops & home office equipment

4. Insurance 

✔️ Business liability insurance
✔️ A percentage of home contents insurance (if WFH)

5. Subscriptions & Memberships 

✔️ Industry-related magazines & journals
✔️ Professional association memberships
❌ Personal subscriptions like Netflix or lifestyle magazines are not deductible.

6. Phone & Internet Costs 

✔️ A business-only landline is 100% deductible.
✔️ If you use your home internet and phone for work, you can claim 50%.

7. Work Uniforms & PPE 

✔️ Branded business clothing
✔️ Health & safety gear (e.g. high-vis jackets, steel-capped boots)
❌ Everyday business attire (e.g. suits) cannot be claimed.

8. Training & Personal Development 

You can claim training courses and certifications related to your business, including:
✔️ Excel courses
✔️ First Aid training
✔️ Business coaching
❌ Pottery classes (unless you're a potter 😉)

9. Entertainment Expenses 

Some business entertainment expenses are 50% deductible, including:
✔️ Client meetings over coffee
✔️ Business lunches & dinners
✔️ Corporate events

Personal expenses (like your morning latte or sausage roll) are NOT deductible!