Sat Nav - is it an allowable expense?

[yetanotherone]

I require a computer for my contracting work, hence have claimed it, but I don't really require a Sat Nav. I work at the same offices and the only claim I could make is that every month or two I go to work related functions, like contractor meetings, business workshops etc.

Can I claim this device as an expense or is this going too far?

Also, I'm going to get a new PDA soon. I will claim this, but what are people's views on claiming these as expenses? I will argue that I need it as it holds a database of information I use to perform my job and that internet access at clients' sites is sometimes unreliable hence I need this for the internet also.

[Phoenix]

Gooner is leaving a vibrating part of his body behind, the next time he goes away!
Perhaps this should be claimed for as well?

[MrsGoof]

Just buy a PDA with GPS and sat nav s'ware already included and hey presto your Co. has just bought a PDA with some bonus stuff on it.

[yetanotherone]

I'm not too taken by the PDAs I've seen with Sat Nav on them. I've used one but it took a long time to calculate teh route and just wasn't the same as a dedicated unit.

Come on folks, let's have some opinions please on whether you'd claim it, or indeed have claimed a Sat Nav?
Answers on a postcard to....

[ratewhore]

As a security professional I could get away with it as I could argue the satnav will be used for forensics training (as indeed it can be). Don't know what you do for a living but it could be relevant...

[djfoot]

Why not get a smartphone like the Nokia N80 or (soon to be released) SE 990. You'll be comprimising on the functionality of the PDA, but as a phone can easily be passed off as an expense....

[bfg]

Got one, paid on company, no problem. Helps find the way to places you have never been before, for example to a potential new clients office.

[DimPrawn]

Can I claim for plastic surgery?

Will make me more attractive to prospective clients?

[Emperor Dalek]

Got one, paid on company, no problem. Helps find the way to places you have never been before, for example to a potential new clients office.

How many times have you been audited by HMCR since you bought it?

If the answer is "none", it is rather premature to say it is "no problem".

To the OP: don't take the piss, then there is no problem. If this is a genuine business expense wholly and necessarily incurred and you can defend it as such when queried then go for it. If, as I suspect, you are having a laugh, shame on you for being so impoverished as to even consider it.