Expenses question

[helen7]

So, do I understand this right?

Thanks for the replies.

So if I understand correctly I can submit expense claims for the values in the HMRC benchmarks (85+110=195$) regardless of how much I actually spend and an additional 10£ for daily subsistence. I must keep receipts to prove the trip happened and have my claim validated by another employee (or accountant).

That sounds good.


Disappointed my accountant didn't provide this advice and just say 'yes you can claim hotels and meals'. Shows these forums add real value.

[jamesbrown]

I don't think you can do both, i.e. just claim the local benchmark rate and not the £10 overseas rate for incidentals on top of that. Probably not a bad idea to keep things consistent as well, using the same approach for future travel.

[SueEllen]

Thanks for the replies.

So if I understand correctly I can submit expense claims for the values in the HMRC benchmarks (85+110=195$) regardless of how much I actually spend and an additional 10£ for daily subsistence. I must keep receipts to prove the trip happened and have my claim validated by another employee (or accountant).

That sounds good.

Wrong - you claim the benchmark rates OR the actual cost plus £10 per night.

I would keep as many receipts as possible as proof that you went abroad.

There are different rules to do with the day of departure and arrival but you have to read the links given to you.

Disappointed my accountant didn't provide this advice and just say 'yes you can claim hotels and meals'. Shows these forums add real value.

Lots of accountants don't know this because they don't have small business owners who do work abroad.

[BingoBongo]

When I've been travelling I've claimed expenses going back to a company of laundry, newspaper, all meals, alcohol, coffees... it has never been queried but the cost has never been unreasonable.

Used to have a cracking time on the per diem expenses in my early twenties. Used to get 120 quid a day for living expenses in Brussels. 80 quid was supposed to go on the hotel. I stayed in the dodgiest B and B hovels for 20 quid a night.

[Platypus]

I travel quite a lot (compared to some, not compared to others) and I usually claim everything, backed up with receipts. Things like laundry and bar bills usually end up on the hotel bill. I probably wouldn't claim a night out on the lash, although I might try and justify it as 'entertaining clients' depending on how bad the damage is. i.e. a couple of beers at a bar, no. An expensive evening out with colleagues, yes. All taxis, absolutely, even if for an evening trip downtown for dinner then back again. I wouldn't claim in-room on-demand TV as that is clearly not "wholly and exclusively" but then again I tend the load the laptop up with movies and telly before I leave. Tip: take a VGA or HDMI cable with you to watch on the hotel telly!

I don't claim the £10 per day for incidentals, maybe I'm missing a trick.

I've never had an accountant query any of this. But then again I don't check how much he offsets against CT and how much he doesn't.

HTH