Claiming legal and financial costs
The self-employed are often concerned as to whether an expense is allowable for tax purposes. As a general rule, the self-employed can deduct running costs of the business when working out their taxable profit as long as the expenses are classed as 'allowable expenses'. In this article, we briefly look at the rules for claiming expenses relating to claiming legal and financial costs.
HMRC provides the following guidance on the matter.
Accountancy, legal and other professional fees can count as allowable business expenses.
You can claim costs for:
- hiring of accountants, solicitors, surveyors and architects for business reasons
- professional indemnity insurance premiums
You can’t claim for:
- legal costs of buying property and machinery - if you use traditional accounting, claim for these costs as capital allowances
- fines for breaking the law.
Planning note
If you are unsure if a cost of this type can be claimed please call us for clarification.
Latest News
- HMRC helpline changes on hold
27/03/2024 - More...
HMRC has been forced into an embarrassing climbdown on plans to close the Self-Assessment, VAT and PAYE helplines from
- Assistance with debt management
27/03/2024 - More...
Earlier this month, saw the 10th anniversary of the StepChange Debt Charity’s annual Debt Awareness Week. This is
- What are the off-payroll working rules?
27/03/2024 - More...
The rules for individuals providing services via an intermediary such as a personal service company (PSC) are complex.
Newsletter
With our newsletter, you automatically receive our latest news per e-mail and get access to the archive including advanced search options!