Can I Claim This? Expense Checker
Select an expense category below to see exactly what HMRC allows self-employed people to claim, what does not qualify, and tips for maximising your deductions.
Choose an expense category
All 14 HMRC-approved expense categories for self-employed people.
How the expense checker helps
HMRC expects every claim to be wholly and exclusively for the business. This checker translates that rule into the categories drivers use every week: fuel, repairs, cleaning, insurance, licence fees, phone costs, parking, and more.
Keep evidence as you go
A claim is only useful if you can support it. Keep receipts, record the business reason, and note any personal-use split for mixed costs such as phone bills, vehicle finance, or home office expenses.
Check before you file
Review each category before submitting your return. Small costs like car washes, tolls, bank charges, training, and advertising can add up, while penalties and personal spending should stay out of your tax claim.
Why Tracking Every Expense Matters
Most self-employed people leave money on the table by missing legitimate deductions. Here is why keeping records pays off.
£3,000+
Average annual deductions
The typical self-employed person can claim over £3,000 in expenses, reducing their tax bill by £600+ per year.
14
Allowable categories
HMRC recognises 14 expense categories for self-employed people. Most people only claim 3 or 4 -- do not miss the rest.
7 years
HMRC can go back
Keep receipts for at least 5 years (7 if HMRC suspects carelessness). Digital records are accepted.
Stop guessing. Start tracking.
Fyled automatically categorises your expenses, calculates your tax in real time, and keeps your records HMRC-ready. No spreadsheets, no accountant needed.