Self employed - claiming expenses

[talef]

I have not registered as self employed yet as I have not earned any money I am only setting up.
Ive invested some money in the set up and was wondering could I claim that back even if I'm not earning any money?
I paid out early this year. So when would I register/get the expenses back?
Or does it not work like that.

You only get to offset expenses against tax paid, you don’t claim expenses. And no, you can’t offset anything purchased before you’re self employed.

You get pre trade expenses you can claim. It depends what they are and what industry you’re in.