Reasonable number of computers?

**Clare@InTouch** · 7 June 2012, 08:06

If you need them then I don't see any problem. Many people will have a work machine and a laptop, so that's normal enough. The iPad may be a point of contention, but even then should be OK as long as you can argue it's wholly and exclusively for business.

**northernladuk** · 7 June 2012, 08:08

The iPad will not pass. Not getting in to a huge argument but it won't. Some admin work on the train (yeah right) will not surpass the amount of personal use so it does not pass the wholly and exclusively test. iPhones have been accepted by HMRC as an exception along with smart phones but iPads have not. If you are not specifically developing apps on it or part of client solution they will not pass

IMO you are trying to justify this to yourself. In this day and age you do not need two laptops. They are powerful enough to do what you want and to justify a second laptop just because it is lighter is pretty poor IMO, buy a backpack or a rolling case.

At the end of the day don't forget these come out of your pocket. All you are saving is the tax (and maybe VAT if you are going to spend over 2K). You are not getting 2 free laptops. You are getting them 20% off that is all. The other 80% comes out of your pocket. (rough numbers, don't shoot me if they are not right)

**Support Monkey** · 7 June 2012, 08:27

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

The iPad will not pass. Not getting in to a huge argument but it won't. Some admin work on the train (yeah right) will not surpass the amount of personal use so it does not pass the wholly and exclusively test. iPhones have been accepted by HMRC as an exception along with smart phones but iPads have not. If you are not specifically developing apps on it or part of client solution they will not pass

IMO you are trying to justify this to yourself. In this day and age you do not need two laptops. They are powerful enough to do what you want and to justify a second laptop just because it is lighter is pretty poor IMO, buy a backpack or a rolling case.

At the end of the day don't forget these come out of your pocket. All you are saving is the tax (and maybe VAT if you are going to spend over 2K). You are not getting 2 free laptops. You are getting them 20% off that is all. The other 80% comes out of your pocket. (rough numbers, don't shoot me if they are not right)

I agree and disagree, currently the Ipad is not a productive tool its just a viewing tool but the amount of companies that are now dishing these out i think you would have a good argument that a tablet is now a business requirement

**BigTime** · 7 June 2012, 08:31

From the previous discussion it looks to me like the ipad does pass: http://forums.contractoruk.com/accou...company-3.html and I'm claiming mine as wholly & exclusively for business use.

My accountant recommended I buy a new PC or laptop each year and in her words 'give the old one to the kids'.

So in your situation to get started I'd buy, smartphone, ipad and laptop now. Next year get the macbook air.

**doomage** · 7 June 2012, 08:42

What if you use an ipad / tablet to remote into servers / desktops as a thin client?

Also, what if you develop software for these devices? I think there is a business justification there.

**BolshieBastard** · 7 June 2012, 09:01

I just bought the Iconia 510 and that's going through my accounts.

As far as Im concerned it has office apps on it so, I can have my cv handy during interviews, take notes, create Word documents or excel spreadsheet, use it for presentations, keep track of appointments but more importantly, be productive during that period when starting at a new client where they havent \ cant sort out your network access (and I've been on a 13 week contract and had no network login for 5 weeks!)

As regards the OP, I think the distinction of a heavy use lappie and a 'light' use airbook is, a bit tenuous. But as with all these things unless HMRC carry out an investigation, they arent going to know.

**northernladuk** · 7 June 2012, 09:14

Originally posted by doomage View Post

What if you use an ipad / tablet to remote into servers / desktops as a thin client?

Also, what if you develop software for these devices? I think there is a business justification there.

There is there but that is not what the OP said.

**northernladuk** · 7 June 2012, 09:17

Originally posted by Support Monkey View Post

I agree and disagree, currently the Ipad is not a productive tool its just a viewing tool but the amount of companies that are now dishing these out i think you would have a good argument that a tablet is now a business requirement

I also agree and disagree

It depends on what the companies are dishing them out for, and they are dishing them to permies. I wouldn't run my tax affairs based on what other companies do, the inspector won't take this in to account. An iPad is only a business requirement if it is need wholly and exclusively for business, not just because other business' dish them out.

**northernladuk** · 7 June 2012, 09:19

Originally posted by BigTime View Post

From the previous discussion it looks to me like the ipad does pass: http://forums.contractoruk.com/accou...company-3.html and I'm claiming mine as wholly & exclusively for business use.

My accountant recommended I buy a new PC or laptop each year and in her words 'give the old one to the kids'.

So in your situation to get started I'd buy, smartphone, ipad and laptop now. Next year get the macbook air.

Every year??? Are you sure that is good advice? I can see how you could argue it with HMRC and quite possibly get away with it but it would a point for argument rather than a quick sign off surely?

Reasonable number of computers?