Receipts Dock
Snap a receipt
← Back to all sole-trader guides
Trade Expense ChecklistUK Tax Year 2026/27Box 17 (Cost of goods) & Box 20 (Vehicle travel)

Receipts for Plumbers

Photograph fittings, fuel, copper pipe, and tool receipts from the van. Your bookkeeper gets the tax year. Keep verifiable records your accountant can file directly into your Self Assessment return.

HMRC Allowable vs Disallowable Checklist for plumbers

✓ Allowable Expenses to Keep✕ Disallowable Mistakes
  • Merchant receipts for fittings, copper pipe, and sanitaryware (Box 17)
  • Fuel receipts or 55p mileage log between callouts (Box 20)
  • Gas Safe registration and renewal fees (Box 27)
  • Press tools, pipe cutters, and test equipment (Box 18)
  • Subcontractor invoices, separated from materials (Box 17)
  • Ordinary everyday clothing / jeans
  • Commute to a permanent workshop
  • Personal tool 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 plumbers 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
Receipts for Plumbers: Allowable Expenses & SA103 Checklist (2026/27) · Receipts Dock