5 Essential Tax Deductions Every Freelancer Should Know

Freelancing offers flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to shape your own career. But with that freedom comes the responsibility of managing your finances—especially your taxes. As a freelancer in the UK, you’re considered self-employed, which means you’re eligible for certain tax deductions that can significantly lower your tax bill.

Unfortunately, many freelancers miss out on legitimate deductions simply because they aren’t aware of them. In this blog post, we’ll cover five essential tax deductions that every UK freelancer should know—and claim.

1. Home Office Expenses

If you work from home, you can claim a portion of your household expenses as business costs. HMRC allows you to calculate this in two ways: using simplified expenses or calculating actual costs.

What you can claim:

• A percentage of rent or mortgage interest
• Utility bills (electricity, heating, water)
• Internet and phone bills
• Council tax
• Property insurance

Top Tip: If you have a dedicated workspace, you may be able to claim more using actual cost calculation. If not, HMRC’s flat-rate simplified expenses based on hours worked at home may be easier to manage.

2. Office Supplies & Equipment

From notebooks and pens to laptops and software subscriptions, the tools you use to run your business are generally tax-deductible.

What you can claim:

• Stationery and printing supplies
• Computers, tablets, and printers
• Software (e.g., Adobe, Microsoft 365, QuickBooks)
• Online tools and cloud storage subscriptions

Keep in Mind: If a piece of equipment has both personal and business use, only the business portion can be deducted.

3. Travel & Transportation Costs

If you travel for work-related reasons—whether it’s meeting a client or attending a conference—those costs can be deducted from your taxable income.

What you can claim:

• Train, bus, or taxi fares
• Mileage if using a personal vehicle (HMRC’s mileage rate is 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles)
• Parking fees and tolls
• Accommodation and meals for overnight business trips

Not Deductible: Everyday commuting to your usual workspace from home isn’t considered a business expense.

4. Professional Services & Training

Freelancers often invest in professional growth and support to stay competitive. Fortunately, many of these expenses are deductible.

What you can claim:

• Accountant or bookkeeper fees
• Legal advice related to your business
• Business insurance (public liability, professional indemnity, etc.)
• Training courses that are directly related to your current business

Watch Out: Courses for entirely new skills or a different trade typically aren’t deductible.

5. Marketing & Business Development

Any expense that helps you grow or maintain your business is usually fair game.

What you can claim:

• Website hosting and domain costs
• Social media ads and Google Ads
• Business cards, flyers, and brochures
• Branding, graphic design, and copywriting services

Bonus Tip: Subscriptions to industry publications or directories can also be included if they support your freelance work.

Final Thoughts

As a freelancer, understanding and claiming the right tax deductions isn’t just about reducing your bill—it’s about maximising the value of every pound you earn. Keep organised records, track your receipts, and don’t hesitate to work with a tax advisor who understands freelance finances.

At Equitax, we help freelancers across the UK stay compliant, tax-efficient, and financially secure. If you’re unsure what you can (or can’t) claim, we’re here to help.

👉 Need help with your self-assessment or tax planning?

Schedule a Free Consultation with one of our experts today.