What are self-employed painter expenses?

Managing self-employed painter expenses doesn’t have to be complicated. Knowing exactly what you can claim on tax can save you a lot of money (and stress). Let’s break it down clearly, so you can get your business finances in great shape.

What counts as self-employed painter expenses?

Technically, you can claim anything that you spend on your painting business. What’s important is that you separate your business expenses from personal ones to avoid confusion. Keeping good records will help you stay organised and make your tax return much easier.

How to separate your self-employed painter expenses

There are a few ways of doing this that are popular among the self-employed:

1. Get a business account

This is a handy way of ensuring that your business expenses are in one place. Whether that’s buying paint and rollers, withdrawing cash or transferring money, keeping your business funds in a single account is a quick and easy way to keep things unified.

2. Accounting software

Similar to the business account, if you use online accounting software, you’ll be able to keep track of your self-employed income and expenses easily, and with a smarter interface. Winning!

3. Spreadsheets

It’s an oldie but a classic. Tracking your business income and expenses on tax yearly spreadsheets will go a long way. It means that when you have to pull the information to submit your tax return, there will be minimal hunting around and general panic.

What self-employed painter expenses can you claim?

Here’s a selection of common things expensed by painters and decorators:

• Painting equipment (e.g. brushes)
• Overalls
• Business account fees
• Mileage
• Protective equipment
• Cleaning fluids
• Accounting costs
• Insurance
• Work phone
• Marketing costs (e.g. website, flyers)

Read more about expenses at HMRC online.

Claiming mileage?

Check out our Mileage Allowance calculator. Tell us the vehicle you’re driving and the miles you travelled, and we’ll let you know what you can deduct.