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For Pet Sitters

Tax Return for Pet Sitters

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

  • Track sitting income
  • Supply expense tracking
  • Travel cost support
  • MTD-ready for 2026

Example Tax Calculation

Based on typical pet sitters earnings £24,000/year

Gross Income£24,000
Expenses2,500
Taxable Profit£21,500
Income Tax£1,786
National Insurance£536

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

Allowable Expenses for Pet Sitters

Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill

Pet Supplies

Cleaning supplies, treats, and pet care items.

Tip: Keep receipts for all supply purchases.

Travel Expenses

Mileage and travel costs for home visits.

Tip: Log all visits with dates and locations.

Insurance

Public liability and pet sitting insurance.

Tip: Insurance is fully deductible.

Home Office Costs

Proportion of home costs if boarding pets.

Tip: Use simplified expenses or calculate actual costs.

More expenses you can claim

DBS check costs
Phone and booking software
Accounting software fees
Marketing and website
First aid training

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 pet sitters

Do pet sitters need to register as self-employed?

If you run your own pet sitting business, you must register for Self Assessment.

Can I claim travel costs?

Yes. Travel to clients' homes for pet sitting is deductible.

What about boarding at home?

If you board pets at home, you can claim a proportion of household costs.

Related Guides

Explore tax guides for similar professions

Ready to File Your Tax Return?

Join thousands of UK pet sitters who trust QTax for their Self Assessment