Accounting Solution, 42 Brunswick Terrace, Brighton and Hove (2026)

11/02/2026

# # 📝 The Consultant’s "Hidden" Tax Checklist: Are You Missing These?

When you’re busy delivering for clients, it’s easy to let small business expenses slip through the cracks. But for a UK consultant, those "small" monthly subs add up to a significant tax saving by year-end.

Check your bank statement—are you claiming for these?

# # # 🌐 Digital & Professional Subscriptions

* **LinkedIn Premium:** If you use it for lead generation or networking, it’s a legitimate marketing expense.
* **Software:** Zoom, Calendly, Canva, Adobe, and even your cloud storage (Dropbox/Google Drive).
* **Professional Bodies:** Fees for HMRC-approved "List 3" organisations (like the ICAEW, CIM, or BCS) are deductible.

# # # 🛡️ Protection & Expertise

* **Professional Indemnity Insurance:** A must-have for consultants—and 100% tax-deductible.
* **Accountancy Fees:** Yes, the cost of me preparing your business accounts is an allowable expense!
* **Magazines & Journals:** Trade-related publications or digital news subs (like the FT or The Economist) if they are "wholly and exclusively" for your professional knowledge.

# # # 📚 Upskilling

* **Training Courses:** HMRC allows you to claim for training that **updates** your existing skills. (Note: Learning a brand-new career isn’t usually deductible, but staying at the top of your current one is!)

# # # 💡 The Pro Tip:

Don't wait until January to find these. Set up a "Tax" folder in your email and move every digital receipt there the moment it hits your inbox.

**Want a full PDF checklist of everything you can (and can't) claim as a UK freelancer? Drop a "YES" in the comments and I'll send it over!**

11/02/2026

# # 🚗 On the Road for Clients? Don’t Get Stalled by Vehicle Expenses

If you’re a consultant or freelancer driving to site visits or client meetings, you have a choice to make on your next tax return. Should you claim **actual costs** or **mileage**?

Most of my clients prefer the "Simplified Expenses" route, but it’s not always the winner. Here’s the breakdown:

# # # ✅ The Easy Way: HMRC Mileage Rates

Instead of totting up every MOT, insurance bill, and fuel receipt, you simply track your business miles. For cars and vans, the rates are:

* **45p per mile** for the first 10,000 miles in the tax year.
* **25p per mile** for anything over that.
* **Bonus:** You can claim an extra **5p per mile** if you take a fellow passenger who is also traveling for business!

# # # 🛠 The Detailed Way: Actual Costs

You track everything—fuel, repairs, insurance, road tax—and then claim a percentage based on your business-to-private usage.

* *Example:* If 60% of your total annual mileage is for work, you claim 60% of your total running costs.

# # # 💡 The Consultant’s "Pro Tip":

If you drive an older, fuel-efficient car, the **45p mileage rate** is often more generous than your actual costs. However, if you have a brand-new vehicle with high depreciation or expensive repairs, the **Actual Costs** method (including Capital Allowances) might save you more.

**One warning:** Once you choose a method for a specific vehicle, HMRC generally expects you to stick with it until you change the car. Choose wisely!

11/02/2026

# # 🇬🇧 Working from Home? Don’t Miss This HMRC Tax Break

If you’re a freelancer or consultant running your business from a spare room or studio, you’re likely sitting on unclaimed tax relief.

HMRC allows you to deduct the cost of running your home office from your taxable profits. But in 2026, are you using the right method for your practice?

# # # ⏱ Option 1: The "Simplified" Route (Flat Rate)

Perfect for those who hate spreadsheets. If you work more than 25 hours a month from home, you can claim a flat monthly rate:

* **25–50 hours:** £10 / month
* **51–100 hours:** £18 / month
* **101+ hours:** £26 / month
*No receipts needed for the utilities—just track your hours.*

# # # 📊 Option 2: The "Actual Costs" Route

If you have high energy bills or live in a high-rent area, this often saves you **much more**. You calculate a fair proportion of your actual bills (Rent/Mortgage Interest, Council Tax, Heating, Lighting).
*Example: If you have 5 rooms and use 1 exclusively for work, you could claim 20% of your eligible household bills.*

# # # ⚠️ The "Golden Rule" for Homeowners:

To protect your **Private Residence Relief** (so you don't pay Capital Gains Tax when you sell your house), avoid using your office *exclusively* for business. If there’s a guest bed or a bookshelf for personal use in there, you’re usually in the clear!

**The Bottom Line:** Most of my consultant clients find that "Actual Costs" beat the flat rate, but it requires better record-keeping.

Address

42 Brunswick Terrace
Brighton And Hove
BN31HA

Telephone

+447506324459

Website

http://acctsolution.co.uk/

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11/02/2026

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

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