30 things you can buy through the business


When you start a business, it can be quite stressful to figure out what can go through your business and what can’t especially when you don’t know what will have tax implications.

As a rule of thumb, you claim for “any expense that is wholly and exclusively for Business Use”. You can split some costs which are for both personal and business, but we’ll come to that later.

So, to dive right in, the 30 things you can buy are:

  • logo 1. IT equipment

  • logo 2. Mobile phone

  • logo 3. Protective clothing

  • logo 4. New Machinery

  • logo 5. Office furniture

  • logo 6. Legal Expenses

  • logo 7. Accountancy fees

  • logo 8. New vans / Cars

  • logo 9. Vehicle expenses - owned vehicles
    a. Fuel / repairs / services / MOT / Insurance

  • logo 10. Business insurance

  • logo 11. Stationary

  • logo 12. Advertising expenses

  • logo 13. Marketing expenses

  • logo 14. Business coaching and consultancy

  • logo 15. Client retention expenses

  • logo 16. Staff payroll costs

  • logo 17. Pension costs

  • logo 18. Direct purchase costs

  • logo 19. Employers national insurance

  • logo 20. Travel expenses
    a. Mileage claims / parking

  • logo 21. Office refreshments

  • logo 22. Cleaning consumable for offices

  • logo 23. Office rent

  • logo 24. Council rates
    a. Business rates

  • logo 25. Business cards

  • logo 26. Office utilities
    a. Gas / electric / water

  • logo 27. Mobile phone call costs

  • logo 28. Refurbishment expenses of office / workplace

  • logo 29. Travel expenses

  • logo 30. Business trips
    a. Accommodation / meals

And then, as mentioned above, you can split some costs but it’s about being reasonable and having a great paper trail. But also, as with everything, if you get it wrong you must accept it and put it right. This is most applicable for companies with home offices etc.

An example of this is your personal mobile phone which you also use for work. This is perfectly acceptable for all businesses.

For your mobile phone, it comes down to you being strict with proportioning the cost out. If you use the phone for 60% business and 40% personal use, then the 60% of your bill is what you can claim.

You must however keep all invoices / bills and provide evidence of calculations to reach the 60/40 split.

The best thing to do when you’re not sure is to ask your accountant. They know what you can and can’t do. If in doubt, pick up the phone and find out.

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