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For Carpenters

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

Gross Income£38,000
Expenses7,000
Taxable Profit£31,000
Income Tax£3,686
National Insurance£1,106

*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

Work clothing and boots
Phone costs
Accounting software fees
Professional subscriptions
Training courses
Van insurance and repairs
Parking costs

How to File Your Tax Return

Follow these simple steps to complete your Self Assessment

1

Gather Your Documents

Collect income records, receipts, and expense statements

2

Enter Income & Expenses

Add your earnings and claim allowable expenses with our guided flow

3

Review Your Calculation

See exactly how much tax you owe with real-time calculations

4

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.

Related Guides

Explore tax guides for similar professions

Ready to File Your Tax Return?

Join thousands of UK carpenters who trust QTax for their Self Assessment