Ever feel like HMRC’s getting more from your business than it should? You’re not alone—and you might be missing out on some surprisingly simple tax-saving opportunities. The good news? A few tweaks could leave more money in your business and your pocket.
Let’s walk through the tax write-offs most business owners overlook—and how you can start claiming them today.
Use of Home as an Office: Don’t Leave It Off the Table
If you work from home you can claim a portion of your home expenses as a business cost. Think electricity, internet, rent or mortgage interest, and even council tax.
The amount you can claim depends on how often and how long you work from home. There’s a formula for it, but the key point is: are you claiming it? If not, you’re leaving free tax relief on the table.
Mileage: Those Short Trips Add Up
Driving to meet clients? Heading to a networking event? Even popping into town for business supplies?
If the trip is business-related, you can claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles each year. That’s potentially £4,500 in tax-deductible expenses. But here’s the kicker: HMRC expects a proper mileage log. No guesswork or made-up numbers—it’s got to be genuine.
So, how many business miles have you forgotten to claim this year?
Timing of Equipment Purchases: A Year-End Advantage
Planning to buy new computers, office gear, or other equipment?
The final quarter of your financial year is the golden window. Why? Because most assets—like plant and machinery—qualify for 100% first-year tax relief. That means the full cost can be knocked off your profit before tax.
So instead of spacing purchases out, consider investing just before year-end to maximise your deductions.
Training Costs: Keep Skills Sharp and Save Tax
Investing in your team’s development? You should be—and the taxman agrees.
Most training expenses can be deducted, especially if they relate to your current business activities. If you’re planning courses or seminars, again, do it in that crucial final quarter for extra impact.
And yes, even your own training could qualify, provided it’s to enhance your existing role, not retrain into something totally new.
Trivial Benefits: Little Gifts, Big Gains
This one’s often missed. HMRC allows you to give your employees (including yourself, if you’re a director) up to £300 per year in trivial benefits—that’s small gifts like a bottle of wine or a meal out.
The only rules? It can’t be cash, can’t be a reward for performance, and must cost less than £50 per instance.
It’s a great way to reward staff and reduce your corporation tax at the same time.
Recruitment Costs: Claim Them All
Hired someone recently? Whether it’s through an agency, advertising costs, or onboarding support, all those recruitment fees are allowable expenses.
Yet too many businesses forget to record or allocate these properly. Review your costs and make sure you’re not missing out on a perfectly valid deduction.
Final Thoughts: Stop Leaving Money on the Table
Tax doesn’t have to be a mystery—or a money sink. With just a bit of awareness and planning, you can significantly reduce your tax bill without doing anything dodgy or complex.
Here’s your quick action list:
✅ Check if you’re claiming your home office use
✅ Start a proper mileage log
✅ Time your fixed asset purchases before year-end
✅ Deduct relevant training expenses
✅ Maximise trivial benefits
✅ Review all recruitment-related costs
And if you want to go further, grab a copy of our book “75 Ways to Pay Less Tax”—it’s packed with even more tips just like these. You might be surprised how many apply to you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve got questions or want to see how these strategies could work for your business, book a free chat using the link below. No sales pitch—just a proper conversation to get to know you and your goals.
