2026/27 edition · Updated 15 October 2026 · For England, Wales and Northern Ireland
What's inside
- A tick-box expenses checklist covering office, travel, tools, premises, insurance, staff and marketing.
- Mileage or actual costs, with the new 2026/27 rates and a worked example.
- Working from home flat rates, and when working out your real costs pays more.
- What HMRC won't accept, the £1,000 trading allowance, and how long to keep records.
- A tax calendar from October 2026 to January 2028, including Making Tax Digital dates.
The key points in brief
An expense is allowable if it's wholly and exclusively for your business. If you use something for both business and personal reasons, such as your phone, you can claim the business share.
Mileage went up this year. From 6 April 2026, the flat rate for cars and vans is 55p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles, up from 45p. A sole trader who drives 8,000 business miles can now claim £4,400 instead of £3,600.
| Hours worked at home in a month | Flat rate a month |
|---|---|
| 25 to 50 | £10 |
| 51 to 100 | £18 |
| 101 or more | £26 |
You can't claim everyday clothes, commuting to a permanent workplace, entertaining clients, or fines. The checklist lists these too, so nothing catches you out.
For more on deadlines and why your first tax bill can be bigger than expected, read our online guide to self assessment deadlines and payments on account.
Common questions
What is the mileage rate for the self-employed in 2026/27?
From 6 April 2026, the simplified expenses rate for cars and vans is 55p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles and 25p a mile after that. Motorcycles are 24p a mile. Before 6 April 2026, the car and van rate was 45p.
How much can I claim for working from home?
If you work from home for at least 25 hours a month, you can claim a flat £10 a month for 25 to 50 hours, £18 for 51 to 100 hours, or £26 for 101 hours or more. Phone and broadband are claimed separately.
What is the trading allowance?
You can deduct a flat £1,000 from your trading income instead of claiming actual expenses. If your trading income is £1,000 or less, you may not need to tell HMRC. You can't use the allowance and claim expenses on the same income.
How long do I need to keep receipts?
Keep records for at least 5 years after the 31 January deadline for that year's tax return. Clear photos of receipts are fine.
When is the 2025/26 self assessment deadline?
Online tax returns for 2025 to 2026 are due by 31 January 2027, which is also when you pay any balance and your first payment on account for 2026 to 2027. Paper returns were due by 31 October 2026.