Personal Side Gig, need a TV, can I claim on my business

**vwdan** · 11 April 2018, 10:40

I think your accountant is right to be cautious - especially as it doesn't seem to be connected to your primary business.

Realistically, I think this comes down to your appetite for risk. Firstly, whether it's ever going to crop up and get investigated. Secondly, whether you can seriously look any HMRC person in the eye and explain what the TV is for and why you purchased it. Have you purchased any other tools relating to this development through the company? Does it have a realistic business plan?

Honest suggestion: Why not get a monitor with HDMI instead. Far less likely to arouse any feeling of "Sneaking household goods through the company"

**northernladyuk** · 11 April 2018, 10:41

Originally posted by 2bFrank View Post

Hello,

I am a contract developer whose main income is from contract work, however, I have a personal side gig, where I am developing a Combat Sports TV app mainly for UK MMA events.

The main app is for iOS devices, but I'm creating an Apple TV one. I mostly use my home TV for testing, however, it's becoming a pain as my wife and son want to watch TV and I'm hogging it (its the only 4K TV in the house), and I'm doing the work evenings and weekends.

I asked an accountant about buying a new TV, but they said it could be a grey area as I'm not actually getting paid for the work and could be seen more than a hobby than for business purposes. Is this true, surely if I'm using the TV for just development this shouldn't be an issue, even if I'm not making any money from it yet (I hope it creates some revenue in the near future).

Is it a personal side gig or a side gig for your Ltd. Which owns the IP and which will market and sell the app?

**MrButton** · 11 April 2018, 10:43

Well you’re doing it in the hope for it to create revenue at some point so I don’t see why it’s a problem.

Been paid directly for the work is irrelevant imo so it’s a strange reply from your accountant.

This is my view if the tv is wholly, exclusively and necessary for you do to that dev work.

**WordIsBond** · 11 April 2018, 11:04

Originally posted by vwdan View Post

Honest suggestion: Why not get a monitor with HDMI instead. Far less likely to arouse any feeling of "Sneaking household goods through the company"

This. If it really is just for work, why does this not accomplish the purpose?

**2bFrank** · 11 April 2018, 11:15

Thanks for your replies. I thought about a 4k monitor for testing, but rather test it on what the consumers will be using it on to make sure. Also, I'd need speakers as well, as monitors usually don't come with sound.

Yes, it's through my limited company, my Apple Developer Licence is through my limited company and the app will show my company name in the listings. The Apple TV device is an actual development version too which was given to me by Apple through my company (although the newer version I had to buy myself), so I think I could explain to HMRC if I needed too.

Think I might risk it. I believe I could justify it to HMRC if needed. Thanks again

**malvolio** · 11 April 2018, 11:28

Just make sure the new TV is (a) no more spec than you need to do the job and (b) in a room where the rest of the family don't have access...

**northernladuk** · 11 April 2018, 11:29

Do we assume this 4k TV you need for your business will be a massive thing with all the bells and whistles including 7.1 surround sound and be very expensive? About as much as you'd pay for a high end family TV per chance?

**2bFrank** · 11 April 2018, 11:38

Thanks, yes its just a bog standard one I would buy, cheapest one I can get. Has to be 4K though as some of the fights are in 4K and I think that will be a key selling point for the app. Not fussed about the sound quality, long as its decent, but to need to test the sound as already I found a few bugs where the sound was clicky due to the stream.

**Lance** · 11 April 2018, 11:47

just buy a 4k computer monitor.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/LG-27UD68P-...%7C12128846031

simple.

Personal Side Gig, need a TV, can I claim on my business