Receipts

[CalamityTown]

Do you need physical receipts for tax purposes?

I've just realised, I haven't collected them (or have topped up my fuel tank, so the journey would cost part of the total cost). I'm guessing there might be a fuel allowance...but how do you prove this?

Also, I buy and sell small items and don't have all the receipts (one shop doesn't provide them for example).

It is a low-key business and I may never reach the threshold...I believe it is £1000?

Any advice would be very welcome.

Try to collect your receipts in case you ever get queried (maybe not likely but possible). If someone doesn't give receipts just ask them to write something on a piece of paper. For fuel there's a pence per mile amount I think (not sure exactly how much as I haven't done a tax return for a while) so you can work out how many miles you've driven for work and then work out the allowance based in the pence per mile cost. I used to make a note if where I drove to and from in a little book in my car and then work out the mileage later.

My dh has a business/hobby and has a cell phone app where he takes photos of receipts as well as a mileage app.

Receipts are preferable but occasionally you may not get them so make a note of the purchase, date, amount and how you paid. Pay by card wherever possible.
There are two methods for fuel. You can claim 45p per mile, and just log your journey and what it was for, no receipt required. Or if your vehicle is used mostly for business purposes it can be better to just claim per fill up, but you will need a receipt. You can then deduct any personal usage.
If you don't turnover £1000 in a tax year you might never need receipts, but you may go over and have to do a tax return, or the rules may change.