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Hello, I’m Sara, a Chartered Accountant who transitioned into running an online business. I understand just how daunting and confusing it can be to take the leap into self-employment. The questions, the uncertainties, and the steep learning curve are all challenges I’ve faced myself. Whether you’re in the early stages of planning to go self-employed, just dipping your toes into making money on your own terms, or already fully committed, this blog is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Through detailed guides, expert tips, and practical advice, I aim to be your go-to resource. From mastering financial management and navigating tax obligations to setting up the foundations of your business, I’m here to provide you with the clarity and confidence you need to thrive in your self-employment journey.

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Claiming Business Travel Expenses on Your Tax Return
Claiming business travel expenses on your tax return can help reduce your tax bill, but HMRC has strict rules to ensure fairness among the self-employed. This guide will walk you through what travel expenses you can claim and how to navigate the rules.

Table of Contents

  1. What Counts as Business Travel When You’re Self-Employed

    • 1.1 What is a Normal Business Commute?

  2. How to Claim Business Travel When You’re Self-Employed

    • 2.1 What is an Irregular Journey?

    • 2.2 Dual Purpose Trips

    • 2.3 Travel to a Permanent Place of Work

  3. Claiming for Overseas Business Travel

  4. Claiming for Overnight Stays

  5. How to Claim for Business Travel in Your Own Vehicle

  6. Keeping a Record of Your Self-Employed Travel Expenses

  7. How to Claim Travel Expenses on Your Tax Return


1. What Counts as Business Travel When You’re Self-Employed
You can claim for business travel beyond your normal commute, which is known as irregular travel. This includes trips such as visiting clients, suppliers, or other one-off business-related journeys.
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1.1 What is a Normal Business Commute?
A normal business commute refers to the regular travel between your home and your primary place of work. If you work from home, you don’t have a business commute. Conversely, if you rent an office, that location is your base of work, and travel between home and the office is not tax-deductible.
If you store tools or equipment at a location away from home and travel to collect them before heading to work, this travel is also not deductible.

2. How to Claim Business Travel When You’re Self-Employed
To claim business travel expenses, the journey must:

  • Be an irregular trip outside of your normal commute;

  • Be solely for business purposes without any personal element;

  • Not be related to a regular client contract or arrangement.

2.1 What is an Irregular Journey?
Irregular business travel means trips that fall outside of your usual commute. This includes meetings with new clients, sales calls, or supplier visits.
Example:
A self-employed bookkeeper who travels to meet a potential client at their location can claim this trip as a tax-deductible expense.
2.2 Dual Purpose Trips
A dual-purpose trip includes a personal element. For example, if you mix sightseeing with a business trip or run personal errands during a work trip, the entire journey might not be deductible.
2.3 Travel to a Permanent Place of Work
Travel to a permanent place of work, including ongoing client sites, is not deductible. However, travel to a temporary workplace is allowable.

3. Claiming for Overseas Business Travel
For overseas trips, keep separate receipts and records for business expenses. Book your family’s travel separately to avoid complications if HMRC reviews your claim.

4. Claiming for Overnight Stays
If your business travel requires an overnight stay, you can claim:

  • Travel costs to the location;

  • Accommodation expenses;

  • A reasonable amount for meals, including dinner and breakfast.

Strict rules apply to food claims, so refer to the guide on claiming food expenses when self-employed.

5. How to Claim for Business Travel in Your Own Vehicle
If using your personal vehicle for business, you can either:

  • Claim business mileage at the HMRC set rate;

  • Purchase a vehicle through your business as a sole trader, either with cash or via a lease.


6. Keeping a Record of Your Self-Employed Travel Expenses
Maintain receipts and invoices for all business travel expenses, including hotels, taxis, and flights. For mileage claims, keep a log of the miles traveled, dates, and reasons. Find a mileage expense claim form here.

7. How to Claim Travel Expenses on Your Tax Return
Report travel expenses in the self-employment section of your tax return. If your turnover is under £85,000 for 2021/2022, you can use the simplified version and enter total expenses. If over £85,000, provide a detailed breakdown of expenses, including travel.
How to Claim Business Travel on Your Tax Return
Regardless of turnover, document your claims and calculations for potential HMRC inquiries. Incorrect claims can lead to penalties, so always use your judgment and consult a professional if unsure.

Related:

  • Can I Buy a Car Through My Business as a Sole Trader?

  • Are Training Costs Tax Deductible?





     

How to Claim Business Travel When You’re Self-Employed

Finances

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