Your tax return is used to declare the income you earn and also to claim any tax allowances that can be offset against your tax bill.<\/p>\n
In this blog, we’ll discuss what expenses you can claim with your tax rebate<\/a> if you are self-employed.<\/p>\n\n Most self-employed workers will need to file a tax return.<\/strong><\/p>\n Find out how to claim tax back<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n In fact, you’ll need to file a tax return if any of the following apply to you:<\/p>\n Fortunately, filing a tax return with an expert like Taxback is easy!<\/p>\n We take the hassle out of filing your Irish tax return<\/strong><\/p>\r\n GET STARTED<\/a><\/p><\/strong><\/p>\n\n A good way of monitoring the different expenses in your business is to keep a record of them by using the following methods and aids (anything to do with business):<\/p>\n Either on paper or on computer. For electronic records, you must:<\/p>\n As a general rule for a minimum of six years.<\/p>\n In order for an expense to be regarded as “allowable” for tax purposes, it must be directly related to the running of the business. Items such as mobile phones and cars can cause doubt as often people will hold these for their own personal use also.<\/p>\n Only the usage which is directly related to the running of the business can be claimed.<\/p>\n You can claim for the cost of the day-to-day running of your business to include items such as:<\/strong><\/p>\n This is an allowable expense. Any equipment used specifically in relation to the running of the business may be reclaimable.<\/p>\n Details of the usage and an explanation for its purchase will be required. In the case of an asset such as computers, a thorough examination will be conducted to ensure that it is being used solely for business purposes.<\/p>\n Generally, capital allowances (tax deductions spread over a number of years) are claimed on the acquisition of equipment, as this is treated as a capital expenditure for tax purposes.<\/p>\n We take the hassle out of filing your Irish tax return<\/strong><\/p>\r\n GET STARTED<\/a><\/p><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you own a car that is used for both business and personal purposes, you are entitled to claim back a percentage of the actual running costs e.g. fuel, repairs, servicing etc, which relates to the business use.<\/p>\n The full amount of the business-related expenses can be claimed against the self-employed income but the individual is required to keep the receipts for the expenses incurred.<\/p>\n i.e. travel from home to work cannot be reclaimed. However, if you travel from one place of work to another location where work is also being carried out temporarily, a portion of this tax may be claimed back.<\/p>\n There are certain expenses that cannot be reclaimed:<\/strong><\/p>\n Mileage that is not directly related to business is not claimable<\/p>\n Food is a living expense. It is a basic need and is not related to business operations. In the case of an employee on a business trip whereby they are forced to eat out or incur food costs that would not be normal, an allowance may be given to cover these costs<\/p>\n Normal clothing even clothes worn to work are not reclaimable expenses<\/p>\n The cost of accommodation is not allowable. Like food, shelter is a basic need.<\/p>\n Although this may be a business expense, it is not an allowable deduction for tax purposes.<\/p>\n Where an individual incurs genuine business expenses on networking\/client entertainment, in most circumstances that individual can be reimbursed on a tax-free basis by their employer, once the expenses are fully vouched and reasonable (strict Revenue guidelines must be adhered to).<\/p>\n However, the company or business will not be entitled to claim a tax deduction in respect of such reimbursements.<\/p>\n Staff entertainment expenses are deductible as long as they are reasonable.<\/p>\n The above guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of the expenses that are claimable\/non-claimable.<\/p>\n However, sometimes it may not always be clear-cut. Taxback has a team of Tax Advisors who would be happy to help you – if you would like more assistance please do not hesitate to contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n We take the hassle out of filing your Irish tax return<\/strong><\/p>\r\nDo I need to file a tax return if I’m self-employed?<\/h2>\n
\n
Tracking Your Expenses<\/h2>\n
What records to keep<\/h3>\n
\n
How to keep your records<\/h3>\n
\n
How long to keep records<\/h3>\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/taxback.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/what-expenses-can-i-claim-as-self-employed-ireland.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nAllowable Expenses<\/h2>\n
\n
Equipment<\/h2>\n
Motoring Expenses<\/h2>\n
Commuting expenses<\/h2>\n
Disallowed Expenses<\/h2>\n
Personal mileage expenses<\/h3>\n
Food expenses<\/h3>\n
Clothing costs<\/h3>\n
Accommodation<\/h3>\n
Client entertainment<\/h3>\n
Staff entertainment<\/h3>\n