Can I claim my mobile phone on expenses?

I have been self employed since I had my first child a few years ago. I file a self assessment tax return each year. My job is heavily focused on online work. My query relates to allowable expenses. My current mobile phone operates well, but is quite old and therefore I’m unable to download many apps etc that I require for work purposes. I understand I can claim a proportion of my ongoing phone costs, but can I claim the full (one-off) cost of a new mobile phone as a business expense? It will be used for both personal and work purposes, but I wouldn’t be replacing it for a more up-to-date model if it wasn’t for the fact my job requires it.

Next post
2016: a review

Mobile Phone Business Expense — You can claim your mobile phone as a business expense if you are self employed

You can claim the cost of the phone, any case and also the apps as well as any phone insurance.

Moreover, under simplified expenses, mobile phone costs can also all be allowed if you use the phone extensively for your work without deduction for personal use. This is because if the phone is on contract it is impossible to split the individual phone calls for business and personal use.

Here are some other allowable expenses you might wish to consider:

Computers
Stationary
Using your home as an office (but only the part that’s used for business)
Travel expenses, including the costs of any vehicles used for business
Clothing such as uniforms or protective wear
Raw materials or stock for resale
Costs of hiring accountants and solicitors, plus professional indemnity insurance
Website & advertising costs

The government website has a really helpful and detailed guide to expenses if you are self employed which gives more detail on what you can and can’t claim.