Not the economy: web use from hotel on business trip (contract)

[MPwannadecentincome]

Has anyone been able to claim the cost of internet access whilst away on business. My umbrella told me that it was not possible to prove "wholly and exclusively for work purposes".

From my point of view if I do not have web access I cannot:

1) continue working after I have left the office - this could include accessing my client's network, researching issues or ideas that are related to the work, etc.
2) market my business - through checking network contacts, email, researching competitors, researching market opportunities, posting updated CV on relevant job sites etc etc.

So what is needed as proof of "wholly and exclusively for work purposes" - do I need to log every URL and IP address I accessed and prove none of was for personal use? - I'm considering setting up a Ltd co. so this will be relevant.

Given the rip-off charges for most hotels that charge (there aren't any that have free access where I am) I have been reduced to buying DVDs to watch in the evening rather than 'working'!

PS - No I was not able to get the client to pay for it

[Sausage Surprise]

3) You also can't view www.bigjugs.com

[MPwannadecentincome]

3) You also can't view www.bigjugs.com

I don't want to.

[Manic]

Both myself and my business partner have USB internet dongles, we put them through as business related. Will your umbrella allow the purchase of one of those?

[Sausage Surprise]

I don't want to.

Whatever...

[MPwannadecentincome]

Both myself and my business partner have USB internet dongles, we put them through as business related. Will your umbrella allow the purchase of one of those?

Dunno I could ask but with roaming charges abroad I'm better off paying the hotel rate or buying a 30 day wireless access card.

[MPwannadecentincome]

It would be interesting to know what other forum members do when working away from home in a hotel - do you get free internet access in the hotel or do you pay for it, if you pay do you claim this as a business expense if you are using it for work purposes?

[Gonzo]

It would be interesting to know what other forum members do when working away from home in a hotel - do you get free internet access in the hotel or do you pay for it, if you pay do you claim this as a business expense if you are using it for work purposes?

When I have stayed in a hotel I have just used the company debit card to settle the whole bill and put the lot through the books.

I am quite prepared to argue the case though if some hector ever questions it. I needed to get an internet connection for work purposes. That is what it cost. I don't use the internet for any other reason so there is no personal use

[MPwannadecentincome]

When I have stayed in a hotel I have just used the company debit card to settle the whole bill and put the lot through the books.

I am quite prepared to argue the case though if some hector ever questions it. I needed to get an internet connection for work purposes. That is what it cost. I don't use the internet for any other reason so there is no personal use

aha so it gets lost in the bill then - amongst the dinner, mini bar etc.

No such luck for me - client pays the hotel bill directly, so I can't hide it in there!

[Billy Pilgrim]

Buy a USB dongle...put it through expenses.

Claim that not only do you need it to sort out admin / marketing etc from your hotel ... you also need it on a daily basis for internet access at work since your client internet policy (if indeed they do supply you with a laptop/machine/internet access) is too restrictive for your day-to-day working requirements..

HTH