Working away from home using Motorhome

[Cielo]

I live in the North West UK but work in London for a large portion of the year. My accommodation and 'office' is a motorhome which is permanently parked in London (private property) and I pay for the privilege. I return home once a year in the MH, other times I return home in the works van. In the 4 years I have owned the van I have used it only twice for recreational use (a weekend x 2). In point of fact the MH was purchased for the sole purpose of making it possible to work in London at minimal accommodation cost.

Obviously I incur costs with the MH which are as follows:

1. Gas - heating and cooking
2. Electricity - powering things like laptop, mobile etc.
3. Parking costs.
4. MH insurance - the policy covers business use.
5. MOT
6. MH licence

Basically I work all of the summer using the MH as my base. This last year I have spent a good portion of the winter in the MH as well. It is however my temporary home whilst working in London.

In principle the MH replaces a B&B or hotel or similar and of course it does double up as an office of sorts. Although to be fair my work does not require an 'office' as such. Other than a desk to place my laptop etc.

Can the running costs of point 1 to 6 be submitted as expenses in my self assessment? Bearing in mind that my only other alternative would be to make use of a B&B or hotel or similar for which I imagine I could legitimately claim.

For the past 3 years I have been below the tax threshold but 2016 and 2017 will not be.

Thanks in advance

Alan

[LondonManc]

Alan,

This is quite a niche expense. What does your accountant say?

[northernladuk]

I think you need to look at your 24 month rule situation. If you are caught then all this is irrelevant.

[quackhandle]

Where's Greenlake with the comedy picture of a motorhome?

qh

[SimonMac]

I think you need to look at your 24 month rule situation. If you are caught then all this is irrelevant.

Bingo!

[northernladuk]

Where's Greenlake with the comedy picture of a motorhome?

qh

Liking the Avatar QH.

[northernladuk]

I think you need to look at your 24 month rule situation. If you are caught then all this is irrelevant.

If the OP doesn't know what that means. It means if you have been or expect to be working in the same geographical location for over 24 months you can't claim any travelling and accommodation expenses. I can't see how you can't be caught with that set up.

[Cielo]

No accountant

Alan,

This is quite a niche expense. What does your accountant say?

Hi,

I do not have an accountant currently. I record all my income and expenses in a self designed database and print reports as required. I would not be too concerned if I had an accountant as I would simply rely on their advice...up to a point.

Regards

Alan

[Cielo]

Did not know...

If the OP doesn't know what that means. It means if you have been or expect to be working in the same geographical location for over 24 months you can't claim any travelling and accommodation expenses. I can't see how you can't be caught with that set up.

Would that be 24 months continuous or not. I have not yet worked for two years continuously. Up to date I work primarily during the summer months and then home for winter. Work May to October....rest off.

Quote: I can't see how you can't be caught with that set up. What do you mean - claiming for living away expenses is not permitted?

Double negatives are confusing :-)

Cheers

Alan

[northernladuk]

If you expect to be working in the same location for 2 years it kicks in. If it isn't continously have to look at the 40% rule.