Tax spreadsheet and allowable expenses for Market Traders (UK sole traders)

These are common examples. A cost is allowable only if it is wholly and exclusively for your business, so check GOV.UK guidance on expenses if you are self-employed, or ask an accountant.

• Stall or pitch fees may be allowable
• Stock may be allowable
• Display equipment may be allowable
• Van or mileage may be allowable
• Insurance may be allowable
• Card reader fees may be allowable

• Not retaining stock purchase invoices and receipts.
• Mixing personal purchases with stock bought for trading.
• Leaving pitch fee receipts apart from market booking records.
• Keeping card-reader statements separate from sales records.

• Stock purchase invoices and receipts.
• Pitch fee receipts and market booking records.
• Card-reader statements alongside sales records.
• Mileage log with date, destination, purpose and distance for market journeys.

Keep receipts, invoices and mileage details as you work, and record business and personal use separately where needed. Organised records make it easier to prepare your Self Assessment return.