How much rent and utilities can I write off for tax?

[Simon2009]

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I need some opinions on self employed tax.

I've just moved into a 1 bedroom flat and have a workstation in the corner of the living room to work (I'm self employed full time). I'm just wondering what percentage of the rent I can write off for tax although no room is used exclusively for the purpose of my work.

Also I'm using electricity like it's gone out of fashion. Surely I can claim a third (8 hours into 24)

What do others do? Any information would be appreciated

[hrbs]

I need some opinions on self employed tax.

I've just moved into a 1 bedroom flat and have a workstation in the corner of the living room to work (I'm self employed full time). I'm just wondering what percentage of the rent I can write off for tax although no room is used exclusively for the purpose of my work.

Also I'm using electricity like it's gone out of fashion. Surely I can claim a third (8 hours into 24)

What do others do? Any information would be appreciated

Hi

HMRC guidance is at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/bimmanual/BIM47825.htm with examples.

Regards

Keith
http://HRBS.biz

[Simon2009]

Thanks Kieth that's what I've been searching for.

Based on the HMRC guidelines I would take the number of rooms I have in my flat which is 4. 100% of the bills divided by 4 is 25%. I use the room a third of the time for business use so a third of 25% is 8.3%

So I can claim 8.3% of my bills against tax.

I think my business uses far more than 8.3% of total electricity but until I can afford to pay for tax advice I'll go with that figure.

Thanks again