Allowable Expenses Quick List - Beauty Workers

Beauty-specific list of allowable and non-allowable expenses for self-employed workers

Allowable Expenses Quick List - Beauty Workers

This is a template - always read the linked guide first. BeautyKiln gives general information, not legal advice.

This is a quick reference for what you can and can't claim as a self-employed beauty worker. Keep it handy when you're doing your bookkeeping.

Products and Stock

• Hair colour, toner, developer, bleach
• Shampoo, conditioner, treatments used on clients
• Nail polish, gel, acrylics, tips, forms
• Wax, strips, spatulas
• Skincare products used in treatments
• Lash extensions, brow tint, henna
• Disposable items - gloves, couch roll, cotton pads, towels
• Aftercare products given to clients as part of the treatment

Equipment and Tools

• Scissors, clippers, combs, brushes
• Nail lamps, drills, files
• Wax heaters, steamers
• Salon furniture (chair, couch, trolley) - may be capital allowance if over £1,000
• Towels and gowns used in the business
• Sterilisation equipment (autoclave, UV cabinet, Barbicide)

Training and CPD

• Courses that update or improve existing skills (e.g. new colouring technique)
• First aid training
• Health and safety courses
• Webinars and online learning related to your treatments
• Note: Courses for an entirely new trade may not be allowable - check with your accountant

Insurance

• Public liability insurance
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Treatment risk insurance
• Employer's liability (if you have staff)
• Contents insurance for salon equipment

Phone and Internet

• Business proportion of your phone bill (e.g. 40% if you estimate 40% business use)
• Business proportion of broadband if you work from home
• Business-only phone line (100% claimable)
• Booking system app subscriptions

Marketing and Website

• Website hosting and domain name
• Social media advertising (Facebook, Instagram ads)
• Business cards, flyers, leaflets
• Photography for your portfolio
• Booking platform fees

Professional Subscriptions

• BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology)
• FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists)
• ABT (Associated Beauty Therapists)
• NHF/NHBF membership
• Trade magazine subscriptions

Vehicle and Travel (Mobile Workers)

• Mileage: 45p per mile for first 10,000 miles, then 25p per mile
• OR actual vehicle costs (fuel, insurance, repairs) - business proportion only
• Parking fees while visiting clients
• Congestion charges for business trips
• You cannot use both methods - pick mileage or actual costs and stick with it

Salon Consumables

• Cleaning products
• Tea, coffee, milk for clients
• Magazines for the waiting area
• Air freshener, candles for the salon
• Laundry costs for towels and gowns (you can claim a flat rate or actual costs)

Working From Home

• Flat rate: £6 per week (no receipts needed) if you regularly work from home
• OR proportion of household bills (rent, council tax, utilities, broadband) based on rooms and hours used

What You CAN'T Claim

• General clothing - even if you only wear it to work, unless it's a branded uniform with your business logo
• Commuting - travel from home to your regular salon is not a business expense
• Client entertainment - buying clients lunch, gifts, or drinks (HMRC doesn't allow this)
• Fines and penalties - parking tickets, late filing fines
• Personal grooming - your own haircuts, nails, or beauty treatments
• Initial training to enter the trade - your original beauty qualification

Notes

[YOUR NOTES ON SPECIFIC EXPENSES YOU'RE UNSURE ABOUT]

Reviewed by: [YOUR NAME] Date: [DATE] Tax year: [TAX YEAR]