From Dogs to Dresses – What Counts as a Business Expense?

"Every tree tells a story, every coin counts – building the financial backbone of your business."

Running a business means keeping a close eye on costs – from abiding by HMRC’s strict ‘wholly and exclusively for business’ rules, to minimizing tax and optimizing your business. Getting your expenses right is a big part of this, and it’s often more nuanced than it first seems.

The Usual Suspects

Every business will have the obvious, everyday expenses – the “usual suspects” – like:

• Rent

• Software

• Travel

• Professional fees

• Marketing

• Office supplies

These are the bread and butter of business expenses, and they’re generally easily identifiable and straightforward if you keep good records and stay on top of your bookkeeping.

If you’re a client, you’ll have access to my full A-Z guide of claimable expenses in the members' resources area. It’s a handy reference, but of course, we’ll also be reviewing your books regularly, having those all-important chats, and making tailored suggestions to help you stay on top of your finances.

But What About the Quirky Ones?

Not all expenses fit neatly into the usual categories, and this is where things can get interesting.

Think about it – you run a business, and you have a dog who’s the furry face of your brand. They pop up on your social media, star in your marketing videos, and are a big part of your identity. What do you think might be claimable?

• Grooming, training, or even branded accessories might just count as business expenses if your four-legged friend is genuinely part of the team.

You run a business that involves a lot of travel – you’re a designer, and while you’re traveling or on holiday, you spend some time sourcing unique fabrics, or maybe you’re a travel writer scouting new destinations while overseas. What do you think might be claimable?

• Part of your travel costs – like accommodation, flights, and certain activities would possibly be claimable as business expenses. It’s all about keeping clear records and speaking with us to plan accordingly.

  
  

You run a business that’s all about performance, character, or visual storytelling – maybe you’re a children’s entertainer, a historical tour guide in full period dress, or a YouTuber with a strong visual brand. What do you think might be claimable?

• Specialist costumes, themed attire, or even character props might just be part of the write-off.

  
  

You make or review products – perhaps you’re a chef experimenting with ingredients, a tech reviewer testing the latest gadgets, or a craft business owner creating handmade pieces. What do you think might be claimable?

• Those unusual supplies, quirky materials, or high-tech tools might just be part of the business expense list.

  
  

It’s often the unusual, the niche, or the downright unexpected that can make a significant difference if managed correctly. This is where having advice from a company like Eterna can really make the difference – helping you make the most of every opportunity and avoid missing out on perfectly valid claims.

When Common Expenses Get Complicated

Even those ‘usual suspects’ can become more complex depending on the nature of your business. For example, travel expenses are straightforward for a client meeting or a trade show, but what if you’re a freelancer who works from different locations, or a consultant blending work and leisure on the road? This is where having a professional on your side can make a big difference – it’s about more than just applying the letter of the law, it’s about understanding its spirit too, ensuring you aren’t leaving money on the table.

Why Getting This Right Matters

Getting your expenses right isn’t just about reducing your corporation tax or managing cash flow – it’s also about:

• Staying on the right side of HMRC

• Avoiding fines

• Making your annual accounts as stress-free as possible

• Supporting effective budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning

• Building a healthier, more resilient business

  
  

Need a Hand Keeping Your Finances in Order?

I’m here to help – whether it’s day-to-day bookkeeping, tax planning, or long-term growth strategy, I can support you every step of the way. And if you’re a client, you’ll also have access to my A-Z guide of claimable expenses, so you can always stay one step ahead.

Let’s have a free, no-pressure chat to explore what you need — and how we can help.