SELF EMPLOYED HOME COSTS IF NOT THE HOME OWNER

SELF EMPLOYED HOME COSTS IF NOT THE HOME OWNER

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I have a client who is a self employed Gardener - He lives with his parents and pays them £50.00 per week keep/board.  The household bills are made out in his dad's name, but he does use part of his bedroom to compile his paperwork each week.  Can he claim a portion of his dad's bills or a portion of the "keep" he pays to his parents.  Please advise.  Thanks L

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By petersaxton
21st Dec 2013 10:33

yes

He incurs costs

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By RetiredTax
21st Dec 2013 17:28

"Home costs"

Yes,a claim should be considered from the total amount HE incurs (i.e. his "keep" contributions), but how much would be appropriate (HMRC will possibly ask)?

I expect the £50 board/keep is for ~ his use of most/all the rooms in the house, ~ his food,  ~ the heating/lighting/water & other utilities etc. His food could easily come to a good percentage of the £50 p.w. he contributes, and what remains will be for his use of the property overall. The business use is for (only) "part of his bedroom" and it is likely therefore that the amount of monies specifically incurred for his business is quite small. On the basis of the limited information provided, a claim for more than £5 p.w.would seem excessive!

 

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By ShirleyM
22nd Dec 2013 09:12

Stick to £4 per week

You won't have to justify the claim if you restrict it to £4 per week, I think you would have difficulty claiming more, as most of the £50 will be food, and you cannot make any claim for that.

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By Howard Marks
22nd Dec 2013 12:16

£4pw max

ShirleyM wrote:

You won't have to justify the claim if you restrict it to £4 per week, I think you would have difficulty claiming more, as most of the £50 will be food, and you cannot make any claim for that.

 

I too would stick to £4pw, at most.  Agreed HMRC are unlikely to contest it but given we're talking about a desk in the corner of a rented bedroom I doubt even £4 could be realistically justified.

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By petersaxton
22nd Dec 2013 12:25

As Shirley says

you don't have to justify £4 per week.

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By Snoopy
23rd Dec 2013 10:33

Thanks everyone for your help. Much appreciated.  Happy Christmas L

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