One of the most common questions I get asked is:
“Can I put this through the business?”
It’s an understandable question. Running a business is expensive, and everyone wants to make sure they’re claiming everything they’re entitled to. But there’s a big difference between legitimate business expenses and costs HMRC won’t allow — even if they feel work-related.
Here are some of the most common expenses people assume they can claim, but usually can’t.
- Everyday Clothing (Even If You Wear It for Work)
Buying clothes specifically to wear while working does not automatically make them tax-deductible.
Not claimable:
- Suits, dresses, shirts, shoes
- “Office wear” or “client meeting outfits”
- Gym clothes for personal training clients
Usually claimable:
- Protective clothing (e.g. steel-toe boots, high-vis jackets)
- Branded uniforms with a permanent logo
If you could reasonably wear it outside of work, HMRC will almost always class it as personal clothing.
- Meals While Working (Including Coffee!)
This one catches a lot of people out.
Not claimable:
- Lunch while working at your usual place
- Coffee during the workday
- Food bought while working from home\
Claimable in limited situations:
- Meals while travelling to a temporary work location
- Overnight subsistence when working away from home
HMRC sees everyday food as a personal cost — even if you’re working while eating it.
- Your Full Home Bills
Working from home doesn’t mean you can claim everything.
Not claimable:
- The full cost of rent or mortgage
- All council tax, utilities, or internet
Claimable:
- A reasonable proportion based on rooms used and time worked
- Or HMRC’s flat-rate home working allowance
Overclaiming home expenses is a common red flag in HMRC enquiries.
- Fines, Penalties & Parking Tickets
Even if the fine happened while working…
Never claimable:
- Parking tickets
- Speeding fines
- Late filing penalties
- HMRC penalties (yes, people do ask!)
HMRC will not give tax relief for breaking the rules.
- Client Entertainment
This one surprises a lot of business owners.
Not claimable:
- Taking clients out for meals or drinks
- Tickets to events or shows for clients
- Hospitality expenses
Even though it’s a business cost, client entertainment is not tax-deductible in the UK.
Staff entertainment (within limits) can be allowable.
- Personal Mobile Phones & Laptops (In Full)
Using something for business doesn’t always mean you can claim 100%.
Not usually claimable:
- The full cost of a personal phone or laptop
- Personal contracts used partly for business
Claimable:
- Business-only devices
- A fair business-use percentage of bills
HMRC expects claims to be reasonable and justifiable.
- Haircuts, Grooming & Beauty Treatments
Even if you need to “look professional”…
Not claimable:
- Haircuts
- Makeup
- Nails
- Skincare or grooming
HMRC classes these as entirely personal expenses, regardless of profession.
Final Thought
A good rule of thumb is this:
If the expense exists whether or not you run a business, it’s probably not fully claimable.
Trying to push personal expenses through the business can cost far more in the long run if HMRC ever asks questions.
If you’re unsure whether something is allowable, it’s always better to ask before claiming — not after.