Coffee

[Chervil]

That said I've recently kicked the habit which is an even better saving!

This is the best advice so far.

[JRCT]

I probably spend £4-5 on coffee a day. I don't claim it and I wouldn't even consider it. But I have often noticed there are a lot of people, all contractors I presume, that ask for a receipt whenever they get their coffee. I've always found it odd.

[tractor]

...

I probably spend £4-5 on coffee a day. I don't claim it and I wouldn't even consider it. But I have often noticed there are a lot of people, all contractors I presume, that ask for a receipt whenever they get their coffee. I've always found it odd.

It's like all this 'skinny, dark, choc choc, latte with a sprinkle of espresso, that'll be £8 quid sir' business.

I'm quite happy with a cup of Gold Blend and two sugars thanks.

[jmo21]

I probably spend £4-5 on coffee a day. I don't claim it and I wouldn't even consider it. But I have often noticed there are a lot of people, all contractors I presume, that ask for a receipt whenever they get their coffee. I've always found it odd.

so say £4.50 every day for 46 weeks = £1035 you wouldn't be spending out of your small salary and dividends, or rather £1035 that could go in your savings, or throw at your mortgage.

Wonder how that would look over 10 years, reducing your mortgage by an extra £10,000 (pfft, who still has a mortgage the long time contractors scoff!) and saving a bunch of interest.

Corp tax that would be saved = £207 (over 10 years ~£2000)

Some people will see that as being worth the effort I guess.

[quackhandle]

So a while back as a permy the company took a few of us out for drinks and to a lap dancing club.

So now that I'm contracting...

qh

[TheFaQQer]

So a while back as a permy the company took a few of us out for drinks and to a lap dancing club.

Was it Oracle?

[quackhandle]

Was it Oracle?

Haha, busted!

qh

[tractor]

...

Was it Oracle?

No, it was probably Spearmint Rhino

[northernladuk]

No, it was probably Spearmint Rhino

Bet their benefits package is an eye opener

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

Fine. I get it. Thanks for the various advice.

I've been trying to do what seems reasonable to me. Having a coffee paid for when I've always had that seemed something that might be OK.

Not claiming mileage when it's so close also seemed to be the right thing to do. It is however a temporary place to work and a client site all being well with 24 month rule so people are right. It's black and white so I shall claim mileage.

Unfortunately you need to make sure that what you do seems reasonable to HMRC. Rules surrounding expenses, especially travel and subsistence, are complicated and, on occasion, contradictory so you need to make sure that you understand the basics - find yourself a good accountant that understands contracting - yes it costs but it could end up saving you money and hassle in the long run