Claim course costs against tax

[Deleted member 26818]

My understanding is that qualifications required for you to be able to trade in a particular profession, would not be eligible, but any others needed for you to be able to continue trading do qualify.
In my particular circumstances, I would list claimable qualifications as being 2391/4/5/6, 17th edition updates, LUCAS/PTS, PASMA, IPAF, Absbestos Awareness, JIB/ECS, First Aider, Confined Spaces, Step Ladders, etc, etc.
If it ever became a requirement for me to hold an NVQ, then I would claim for that as well.

I also claim for my Passport, as whenever I sign up with a new Agency, I am required to provide them with a copy, to prove I am eligible to work in the UK.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I had a (good) accountant for my first year as a sole trader and he made it clear that I was not able to claim any tax back for the cost of my initial course. Thats as far as my knowledge runs.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Yes, I would agree in general with you HHD.
The only exception would be, if you were already trading as an Electrician without qualifications, then decided to get qualified.
Whether the HMRC would agree would be another matter.

 

[Adam W]

I've only been self-employed as far as doing agency work, but I've always claimed for electrical courses. It seems companies and agencies are asking for more and more these days, so having 2394/5, IPAF, asbestos awareness etc is going to give me a better chance of getting work. Without staying competitive I'd just be sat at home not paying any tax.

I'll quite happily explain all of that to some civil servant who sometimes turns up to put in a few hours at the tax office depending on what kind of mood they're in. All they have to do is ask.

 

[newtothis]

My understanding is that qualifications required for you to be able to trade in a particular profession, would not be eligible,

That's kinda spot on. Example: You could do a course in plumbing with the intention of trading as a plumber.
You can't claim that as an expense.............. unless you begin trading as a plumber.