What expenses can personal trainers & fitness coaches claim on UK Self Assessment?

UK sole trader personal trainers & fitness coaches can claim allowable costs incurred wholly and exclusively for their trade, including Gym floor rental and facility access fees (Box 21), Resistance bands, kettlebells, mats, and portable training kit (Box 18), Public liability and coaching insurance (Box 22), along with qualifying mileage at 55p per mile.

How long do personal trainers & fitness coaches 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 21 (Gym rent) & Box 18 (Fitness equipment)

Receipts for Personal Trainers & Fitness Coaches

Gym rent, fitness equipment, insurance, and client booking software. Keep verifiable records your accountant can file directly into your Self Assessment return.

HMRC Allowable vs Disallowable Checklist for personal trainers & fitness coaches

✓ Allowable Expenses to Keep	✕ Disallowable Mistakes
Gym floor rental and facility access fees (Box 21) Resistance bands, kettlebells, mats, and portable training kit (Box 18) Public liability and coaching insurance (Box 22) Client booking software, music license (PPL), and website fees (Box 24/25) Travel mileage to client private sessions or outdoor bootcamps (Box 20)	Standard sportswear worn for personal workouts Personal everyday gym membership Food supplements

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 personal trainers & fitness coaches 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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