First time contracting, non-UK resident, Travel to UK deductible?

[Trolha31]

Hello,

I never worked before in UK, but I might get a interview. Can I deduct the travelling costs (flight + train + ...) from my country (EU) to UK in my first month of working as contractor?

I am sure someone had this question before, but couldn't find it.

[TheFaQQer]

If you have alternative accommodation (ie. you are continuing to pay for a house in your home country), then you should be able to claim the travel to your temporary place of work. If you do not have any alternative accommodation, then you won't be able to because HMRC will argue that you have to live somewhere.

Travel to the interview itself is a different question - the answer would depend on how you are operating the business. You would still need to show that you have alternative accommodation that you are paying for to be able to claim the travel and accommodation expense though.

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

Doesn't this depend a lot on where your income is going to be taxed? If its in your own country you would need to check your own country's tax rules on expenses.

[Trolha31]

Doesn't this depend a lot on where your income is going to be taxed? If its in your own country you would need to check your own country's tax rules on expenses.

I will need to create a ltd company, and my travel would be before I create the ltd. That is why I am also asking..

The plan is travel for interview and get an accommodation for first weeks in hotel to take care of ltd company etc.

Then deduct this expenses (flight + hotel) in first month as relocation expenses. From what I saw it is not possible to deduct this expenses.