Van, tools and mileage: what you can actually claim

If you're spending your own money to do the job, a fair chunk of it can usually be claimed against your tax. The trick is keeping track of it.

The van

The cost of running a work van, fuel, insurance, repairs, and often the van itself through capital allowances, is generally an allowable business cost. How you claim depends on how the van is owned and used.

Tools and equipment

Power tools, hand tools, plant and equipment you buy for work can usually be claimed, either as an expense or through capital allowances for the bigger stuff.

Mileage and travel

• Keep a simple record of business miles, it adds up fast.
• Hold onto receipts, a photo on your phone is fine.
• Don't mix personal and business spending in one account if you can help it.

The takeaway: the difference between guessing and claiming properly is real money each year. We make sure nothing allowable gets left on the table.