Table of contents
Updated 12 September 2021
1. Free Mileage Spreadsheet for the Self-Employed
Free mileage spreadsheet for the 2021/2022 tax year. Track the business miles you have travelled, with the formulas in place to automatically calculate how much mileage you can claim on your HMRC tax return.
2. How to Use the Mileage Log Template
Once you download the mileage claim form template you’ll need to enter the following information for each eligible journey you make:
- Date
- Client Name
- Destination
- Reason for Visit
- Distance in Miles
Remember to make sure you record all the information requested on the spreadsheet to keep on the right side of HMRC. The mileage template will then calculate how much you can claim against your HMRC taxes automatically using a rate per mile of 45p.
Whilst 45p is the maximum you are allowed to claim per mile for the first 10,000 you travel, you can choose to claim less than this figure. Once your total business mileage for a single tax year exceeds 10,000 miles, the amount you can claim drops to 25p per mile.
Unsure which of your car journies meet the HMRC criteria to be an allowable business expense? Read this guide to Claiming Business Travel When You’re Self-Employed
3. How to Claim Mileage Expenses On Your Tax Return
You’ll need to claim the cost of tax-deductible mileage in the self-employment section of your tax return. If your business turnover is less than £85,000 for 2021/2022 you’ll have the option to fill in the simplified version of this part of the tax return so only need to enter your total expenses. You’ll need to include your mileage claim in the figure you enter alongside your other allowable business expenses.
If your business turnover is more than £85,000 you’ll need to enter a breakdown of your expenses in the boxes set out by HMRC and you’ll need to include your business mileage from the tracker in car, van and travel expenses.
Whatever your business turnover you should keep a note of what you are claiming for and how you worked it out as part of your business records, in case of an HMRC investigation and they ask for evidence of what you are claiming for to check you’ve paid the right amount of self-employed tax.
When it comes to claiming expenses, always use your judgement when it comes to deciding what you deduct against your taxes. Incorrect claims can result in penalties. And, as always, if you aren’t sure, seeks the advice of a professional.
