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For Electricians

Tax Return for Electricians

Complete your Self Assessment in 8 minutes. Claim all your allowable expenses and submit directly to HMRC.

  • Track tools and equipment
  • Vehicle expense calculations
  • CIS deduction support
  • MTD-ready for 2026

Example Tax Calculation

Based on typical electricians earnings £45,000/year

Gross Income£45,000
Expenses8,000
Taxable Profit£37,000
Income Tax£4,886
National Insurance£1,466

*Illustrative example based on 2024/25 tax rates. Your actual tax depends on your specific circumstances.

Allowable Expenses for Electricians

Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill

Tools & Equipment

Hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and PPE are fully deductible.

Tip: Keep receipts for all tool purchases under £1,000

Vehicle Expenses

Mileage allowance or actual costs for your van/vehicle used for work.

Tip: Track business vs personal mileage separately

Materials

Electrical materials you purchase for jobs (not recharged to clients).

Tip: Only claim materials you pay for yourself

Insurance & Certifications

Public liability insurance, professional indemnity, and certification fees.

Tip: Include ECS card renewal and Part P registration

More expenses you can claim

Work clothing and boots
Phone costs
Accounting software
Professional subscriptions (NICEIC, NAPIT)
Training courses
Van insurance
Parking for jobs

Electricians Industry Insights

Essential information about working as a electricians in the UK

Average Hourly Rate

£35 – £60

Emergency callouts can command £80-120/hour

Common Structure

sole trader

Sole trader common for small jobs; limited company considered at £50k+ turnover

Typical Job Duration

1-3 days for typical domestic work

Required Certifications & Qualifications

Part P certification (domestic installations)
18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)
City & Guilds 2391 (Inspection & Testing)
JIB ECS card (construction sites)
NICEIC or NAPIT registration (recommended)

When Do Electricians Earn Most?

Understanding seasonal demand helps you plan your income and expenses throughout the tax year.

Peak Demand Periods

Autumn (heating season prep)Spring (home improvements)December emergency callouts

Quieter Periods

January-FebruaryAugust

Industry Insight

Emergency work is year-round; planned work peaks spring/autumn

Tax tip: During quieter periods, use the time to organise receipts, update your records, and plan for upcoming tax deadlines.

Tax Tips for Electricians

Specific tax considerations to maximise your deductions and stay compliant

Tool purchases up to £1,000 can use Annual Investment Allowance

Van costs: choose between mileage allowance or actual costs

Course fees for 18th Edition updates are tax-deductible

Public liability insurance (typically £500-1,000/year) is deductible

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

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 electricians

How does CIS affect my tax return?

If you work as a subcontractor, 20% CIS tax is deducted from your payments. You can offset this against your Income Tax bill or claim a refund if you overpaid.

Can I claim for my van?

Yes. You can either use the mileage allowance (45p/mile for first 10,000 miles) or claim actual costs including fuel, insurance, repairs, and capital allowances.

What about expensive equipment?

Equipment over £1,000 may need to be claimed through capital allowances rather than as a direct expense. The Annual Investment Allowance lets you claim 100% of qualifying equipment costs.

Related Guides

Explore tax guides for similar professions

Ready to File Your Tax Return?

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