I've been reading this rather lengthy thread on subsistence allowance and, as it is now over three years old, I just want to bring the issue up again, but specifically for my situation where I'm working away from home on-site, only returning home at weekends. I was particularly interested in THEPUMA's post and also this post, and the conversation in between.
Basically, I'm trying to work out what I can claim as an expense and what I can't, so, in addition to subsistence, I'm also looking at other things, too. The following are the general expenses I'm incurring as a result of working as a software contractor. Which ones would be considered reasonable tax-deductible expenses, and which would be considered by HMRC as taking the pee?
Also, I do not have the receipts for some of my lunch expenses (all less than £3) for the first few weeks of my contract - would it be reasonable to put these in anyway as a daily £3 expense and attach receipts for everything after?
And there are some expenses (particularly the odd evening meal where I've shared a table bill with my colleagues) where I just have the credit card sales voucher rather than the VAT/till receipt - would this be sufficient for HMRC if it's just the occasional one?
To give an idea of geography, my home is in Camberley, Surrey (west of London) and I am working on a contract near Cambridge (north of London). I am claiming mileage for travelling at the beginning and end of every work week. However, I occasionally have to travel to London mid-week by train (for interviews for potential future contracts or for social or domestic reasons). Obviously, I can claim for the interviews, but what about the other reasons? If I were not based near Cambridge, the trip to London would be a lot shorter and cheaper from my home, so can I claim the whole amount or just what the difference would be? Does it matter?
Regarding mileage, I am on the VAT Flat Rate Scheme, so I don't need to keep my fuel receipts, do I, as I'm not claiming VAT back on them and mileage doesn't require receipts; so I can throw them away?
I see from here (middle column, page 588) that keeping a digital scan of my receipts is fine for HMRC purposes. Can someone confirm this before I throw all my receipts in the bin?
Thanks for any help you can give on this.
Basically, I'm trying to work out what I can claim as an expense and what I can't, so, in addition to subsistence, I'm also looking at other things, too. The following are the general expenses I'm incurring as a result of working as a software contractor. Which ones would be considered reasonable tax-deductible expenses, and which would be considered by HMRC as taking the pee?
- Morning snack/coffee purchased from "staff" canteen
- Lunch purchased from "staff" canteen
- Lunch/coffee at local cafe such as Costa or Starbucks
- Pre-packed snack purchased from local supermarket such as Sainsbury's
- Drycleaning of suits worn for work
- Evening meal purchased on outing with "colleagues" (business clients)
- Drinks purchased on outing with "colleagues" (business clients)
- Short-term rented accommodation
- Utilities bills such as electricity, water, Council Tax on said rented accommodation
- Groceries from supermarket for use in said rented accommodation
Also, I do not have the receipts for some of my lunch expenses (all less than £3) for the first few weeks of my contract - would it be reasonable to put these in anyway as a daily £3 expense and attach receipts for everything after?
And there are some expenses (particularly the odd evening meal where I've shared a table bill with my colleagues) where I just have the credit card sales voucher rather than the VAT/till receipt - would this be sufficient for HMRC if it's just the occasional one?
To give an idea of geography, my home is in Camberley, Surrey (west of London) and I am working on a contract near Cambridge (north of London). I am claiming mileage for travelling at the beginning and end of every work week. However, I occasionally have to travel to London mid-week by train (for interviews for potential future contracts or for social or domestic reasons). Obviously, I can claim for the interviews, but what about the other reasons? If I were not based near Cambridge, the trip to London would be a lot shorter and cheaper from my home, so can I claim the whole amount or just what the difference would be? Does it matter?
Regarding mileage, I am on the VAT Flat Rate Scheme, so I don't need to keep my fuel receipts, do I, as I'm not claiming VAT back on them and mileage doesn't require receipts; so I can throw them away?
I see from here (middle column, page 588) that keeping a digital scan of my receipts is fine for HMRC purposes. Can someone confirm this before I throw all my receipts in the bin?
Thanks for any help you can give on this.
Comment