Filling in your Self Assessment return is mostly about reporting what you have earned, but it is also your chance to reduce your tax bill by claiming everything you are entitled to.
Many sole traders and freelancers under-claim simply because they are not sure what counts as an allowable expense, or because they assume something is too small or too personal to include. If you would like a fuller breakdown of what qualifies, our guide on what business expenses you can claim as a sole trader covers the basics in more depth.
Getting this right matters. Every legitimate expense you claim lowers your taxable profit, which means a smaller bill at the end of the year. Getting it wrong, by claiming something you should not, can also draw HMRC's attention and lead to repayment demands or further checks. The good news is that most of this comes down to knowing what counts and keeping reasonable records as you go, rather than anything complicated.
This guide walks you through the expenses people most often overlook, how the rules work, and how to keep your claims accurate, whether you are doing this manually or using self-assessment software like Pie to keep track as you go.
