What expenses can painters and decorators claim on UK Self Assessment?

UK sole trader painters and decorators can claim allowable costs incurred wholly and exclusively for their trade, including Trade paint, primers, stains, and wallpaper (Box 17), Rollers, brushes, sandpaper, masking tape, and dust sheets (Box 17), Stepladders, platform hire, and spray units (Box 18), along with qualifying mileage at 55p per mile.

How long do painters and decorators 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.

← Back to all sole-trader guides

Trade Expense ChecklistUK Tax Year 2026/27Box 17 (Materials & goods used)

Receipts for Painters & Decorators

Paints, brushes, wallpaper, dust sheets, and scaffolding hire neatly organized. Keep verifiable records your accountant can file directly into your Self Assessment return.

HMRC Allowable vs Disallowable Checklist for painters and decorators

✓ Allowable Expenses to Keep	✕ Disallowable Mistakes
Trade paint, primers, stains, and wallpaper (Box 17) Rollers, brushes, sandpaper, masking tape, and dust sheets (Box 17) Stepladders, platform hire, and spray units (Box 18) Fuel and travel between residential and commercial contracts (Box 20) Trade association membership (PDA) and insurance (Box 22/27)	Ordinary workwear (unless branded trade overalls) Personal home redecoration supplies

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 painters and decorators 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.

Stop saving crumpled receipts in the van

Snap your receipts on site. We extract merchant, date, VAT, and category. 5 free scans lifetime.

Snap your first receipt