To business expense a handbag

[CrotchBurn]

I am self employed (think graphic designer) and am getting a bit embarrassed of carting around a raggedy rucksack when I go to work spaces and occasionally when I see clients.

I've seen a really nice handbag, theres also a laptop sleeve that goes with it (I mean a matching laptop sleeve but sold separately).

Would I be unreasonable to business expense it? I feel torn because it's kind of me as well as for work stuff

You're self-employed, do what you like.

When it comes to your tax return HMRC may take a dim view dependent on how much it is.

@Lockheart
Well am I allowed or aren't I?

Not for tax purposes, no!

I am SE and I would definitely expense it

I am self-employed. I work in clients' offices and my "office clothes" are not what I would choose to wear elsewhere. However, when I began (many years ago now), my accountant told me I definitely could NOT put down those clothes as an expense, I think because I could not prove I only used them for work. I suspect HMRC would feel the same about any handbag.

I feel torn because it's kind of me as well as for work stuff

The basic rule is that an expense has to be wholly and exclusively a business expense.

This isn't. Which is why you also can't claim for work clothes.

Do you have an accountant or adviser to ask these kinds of questions? Because relying on randomers on Mumsnet to provide accurate legal advice is likely to get you in hot water.

Laptop sleeve yes, handbag no.

HMRC will not accept a handbag as a business expense. Not in a million years. Whatever you buy needs to say "laptop bag" in it at least. You can get big laptop bags that have a big compartment for additional stuff.

Here is a trustworthy source:

taxaid.org.uk/guides/information/a-starting-point-for-the-self-employed/self-employed/expenses-with-private-and-business-use

I put walking boots, trousers etc on my expenses. I need practical heavy duty outdoor clothing for my business. I don't feel guilty just because I choose colours that suit me though.

You can't claim a business suit worn exclusively for work so I doubt you could claim a handbag.

www.gov.uk/expenses-if-youre-self-employed/clothing

Business expense the laptop case, but not the handbag that matches it

Cheeky fuckery at its finest! 🤣🤣🤣

@WorraLiberty
I dont see how its CF. It's my money!

So why are you asking?

It’s a laptop bag isn’t it

I was surprised to find that I can't put my clothes down as a work expense as I wear them for work, so I doubt a handbag will be allowed.

If you can stand up in a court of law and argue your case for the bag then yes I would (chances of that ever happening very low!).

It winds me up when you see the offices of google, Facebook etc with their pool tables, pinball machines etc. All business expenses of course!

I'm sure an MP would consider this a perfectly acceptable expense

It needs to be something that you can’t wear out of work. Overalls etc. That was what I was told by HMRC when I investigated it.

[quote CrotchBurn]@WorraLiberty
I dont see how its CF. It's my money![/quote]
You’re wanting to claim the tax back though? So that’s other people’s money.

When I was self employed I was told to claim everything that was a tool of the trade. I did, and never had an issue on a tax return.

I'd call that equipment necessary for work.

I would probably expense the laptop sleeve but not the handbag. This is not legal or financial advice but something to carry around and protect your main work tool makes sense to me. I mean if you were a professional violinist wouldn't buying a case for your violin count as a business expense?

You can't use it for tax reduction on self assessment/ self employed.

You can buy a laptop bag and that's an allowable expense as 'office equipment'.