Tax Return for Carpenters
Complete your Self Assessment in 8 minutes. Claim all your allowable expenses and submit directly to HMRC.
- Track job income
- Tools and equipment expenses
- Vehicle and mileage support
- MTD-ready for 2026
Example Tax Calculation
Based on typical carpenters earnings £38,000/year
*Illustrative example based on 2024/25 tax rates. Your actual tax depends on your specific circumstances.
Allowable Expenses for Carpenters
Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill
Tools and Equipment
Hand tools, power tools, workbenches, and safety equipment.
Tip: Keep receipts for all tool purchases under £1,000.
Vehicle Expenses
Mileage allowance or actual costs for your van used for work.
Tip: Track business vs personal mileage separately.
Materials
Timber, fixings, and consumables you supply on jobs.
Tip: Only claim materials not recharged to clients.
Insurance and Certifications
Public liability insurance and trade certifications.
Tip: Keep policy documents and certification receipts.
More expenses you can claim
Carpenters Industry Insights
Essential information about working as a carpenters in the UK
Average Hourly Rate
£25 – £45
Bespoke furniture makers can charge significantly more
Common Structure
sole trader
Sole trader most common; established workshops may incorporate
Typical Job Duration
1-5 days for typical jobs
Required Certifications & Qualifications
When Do Carpenters Earn Most?
Understanding seasonal demand helps you plan your income and expenses throughout the tax year.
Peak Demand Periods
Quieter Periods
Industry Insight
Kitchen fitting peaks before Christmas; general work peaks in spring
Tax tip: During quieter periods, use the time to organise receipts, update your records, and plan for upcoming tax deadlines.
Tax Tips for Carpenters
Specific tax considerations to maximise your deductions and stay compliant
Expensive tools can be claimed as capital allowances
Workshop rent/mortgage interest may be partially deductible
Wood and materials: careful record-keeping needed for stock
Consider simplified expenses if using home workshop
These tips are based on UK tax rules for the 2024/25 tax year. For personalised advice, consult a qualified accountant.
How to File Your Tax Return
Follow these simple steps to complete your Self Assessment
Gather Your Documents
Collect income records, receipts, and expense statements
Enter Income & Expenses
Add your earnings and claim allowable expenses with our guided flow
Review Your Calculation
See exactly how much tax you owe with real-time calculations
Submit to HMRC
File your tax return directly to HMRC in minutes
Key Deadlines for 2024/25 Tax Year
Don't miss these important dates
5 April 2025
Tax Year Ends
Calculate your final income and expenses
5 October 2025
Register for Self Assessment
If this is your first year self-employed
31 January 2026
Online Filing Deadline
Submit your tax return and pay any tax owed
6 April 2026
MTD Starts (£50k+)
If your income exceeds £50,000, you must use MTD software
Late Filing Penalties
1 day late: £100 fixed penalty
3 months late: £10/day up to £900
6 months late: 5% of tax owed or £300 (whichever is higher)
12 months late: Additional 5% or £300
Plus interest on any tax paid late. Avoid these costs by filing early with QTax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about tax returns for carpenters
Do carpenters need to register as self-employed?
If you work as a subcontractor or invoice for your work, you must register for Self Assessment.
How does CIS affect my tax return?
If you work under CIS, 20% tax is deducted from payments. You can offset this against your final tax bill.
Can I claim for my van?
Yes. Use mileage allowance at 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles, or claim actual vehicle costs.
Ready to File Your Tax Return?
Join thousands of UK carpenters who trust QTax for their Self Assessment