What expenses can carpenters claim on UK Self Assessment?

UK sole trader carpenters can claim allowable costs incurred wholly and exclusively for their trade, including Timber, sheet materials, adhesives, and fixings (Box 17), Saw blades, router cutters, and drill bit replacements (Box 18), Fuel or 55p mileage logs for traveling to site installations (Box 20), along with qualifying mileage at 55p per mile.

How long do carpenters need to keep receipts for HMRC?

HMRC requires sole traders to keep records and receipts for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline for that tax year. Receipts Dock preserves photos for 6 years.

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Trade Expense ChecklistUK Tax Year 2026/27Box 17 (Goods used) & Box 18 (Plant & tools)

Receipts for Carpenters & Joiners

Timber, blades, fixings, fuel, and the yard receipts that fade in the door pocket. Keep verifiable records your accountant can file directly into your Self Assessment return.

HMRC Allowable vs Disallowable Checklist for carpenters

✓ Allowable Expenses to Keep	✕ Disallowable Mistakes
Timber, sheet materials, adhesives, and fixings (Box 17) Saw blades, router cutters, and drill bit replacements (Box 18) Fuel or 55p mileage logs for traveling to site installations (Box 20) Hired plant (towers, specialized machinery) (Box 18) Steel-toe boots and hearing/eye protection (Box 18)	Materials used on personal home projects Ordinary trousers and hoodies Personal vehicle use

HMRC Rule: Expenses must be incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes. When buying mixed items (e.g. at a trade merchant or fuel station), Receipts Dock files the receipt and keeps the original photo attached for your bookkeeper.

Tools to Keep Your carpenters Accounts Tidy

🔍 SA103 Box Finder →Search any material or tool to see its exact HMRC box.🚗 55p Mileage Calculator →Calculate your 55p and 25p tax allowance per trip.

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