So, what can a painter claim on tax? 

Technically, you can claim anything that you spend on your painting business. What’s really important is that you can clearly separate your business from personal expenses to avoid any confusion.

How can I separate 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 all 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.

Great – so what can a painter claim on tax?

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, flyering)

Read more about expenses at HMRC online.