Self Employed,Taxi Driver

If you work as a self-employed taxi driver, HMRC require you to file a self assessment tax return each year. This tax return is used to record your earnings and expenses, and to calculate how much tax you should be paying.

If you’re new to being self-employed and haven’t completed a self assessment tax return before, we know it can be daunting knowing what information and deductions to include, and indeed which form to fill out and submit in the first place.

HMRC penalties for filing an incorrect or late set of accounts can be severe, so it’s worth taking the time to understand how the system works.

However, using our handy guide we’ll help guide you through the process of filing your tax return as well as highlighting some of the tax benefits you’re entitled to as a self-employed taxi driver.

 

I’m a taxi driver – which self assessment form do I need?

You are considered a self-employed taxi driver if you work for yourself and set your own hours. Even if you use someone else’s vehicle for your job and use the services of a dispatcher, in the eyes of HRMC you are considered an independent contractor. Because of this, you will need to deduct expenses on your self assessment return, to lower your tax bill.

The two most widely used forms for self-employed taxi drivers are CWF1 which is used for newly self-employed workers, and SA1 which is used if you’re currently filing any other tax returns, such as if you’re a buy to let landlord.

To begin filing your tax return, visit the official GOV.uk website. You will need some basic information to hand – such as your name, address and date of birth – as well as your National Insurance number. You will also be asked about the type of work you’re doing and when you started working for yourself.

Once you’ve registered, HMRC will send you a unique taxpayer’s reference number (UTR) which should be used on all future correspondence related to your self assessment return. Keep this number handy as you’ll need it for any queries you may have about your taxes going forward.

 

When should I submit my tax return?

Your tax return should include your taxable income for the corresponding tax year. The UK tax year begins on 6 April and ends on the 5 April of the following year.

As a self-employed taxi driver, if the end of your business year is not the same as the tax year, you need to work out which accounting period to include on your self assessment tax return. The simplest solution is to align your business year with the tax year. So, if you started working on 1 January 2019, your first accounting period will run until 5 April 2019, before you start from scratch on 6 April for the next tax year.

Any tax you owe to HMRC, must be paid by the 31 January following the end of the tax year – this can be done online or via a Direct Debit.

 

Should I keep my receipts?

Yes, you should always save your receipts. Keeping a well organised record of your taxi fares, tips and other business earnings will make life much easier when filing your self assessment. Every year we deal with a number of drivers who could have benefitted from paying less tax if they’d kept evidence of their expenses.

As a self-employed worker, you should get into the habit of making a note of your business income and expenses. There are a number of apps and software programs on the market that offer an easy and hassle-free way of recording your expenditure, or if you require more personalized advice, get in touch with our experts on 01473 744 700 and we’ll be happy to help.

 

Taxi drivers – allowable expenses

If you’re a self-employed taxi driver, you’re able to claim a number of expenses when submitting your self assessment tax return, including:

  • Fuel costs
  • Repair costs
  • Annual road tax and MOT tests
  • Interest on loans taken out to buy your taxi
  • Washing and cleaning costs
  • License fees
  • Insurance costs
  • Breakdown membership fees
  • Office costs (if applicable)
  • Accountancy fees
  • Radio and communications systems
  • Business telephone costs
  • Parking fees
  • Airport, bridge, tunnel and other toll charges
  • Advertising costs

 

Capital allowances

In addition to the expenses we’ve highlighted above, capital allowance – also known as depreciation allowance – can be claimed for the cost of your vehicle. This rate is currently set at 18% per year. If you’re a Hackney carriage or black cab driver then you are also eligible for an annual investment allowance of 100%. Get in touch with our tax experts today to find out more about what allowances you may be entitled to as a self-employed taxi driver.

 

Fixed scale mileage rate

One alternative to claiming the running costs of your vehicle is to use HMRC’s fixed scale mileage rate which is currently set at 45p for the first 10,000 miles your car, van or minibus travels, and 25p thereafter. Capital allowance (see above) is included, but any interest on a loan made to purchase the vehicle is not, meaning this can be claimed alongside your mileage allowance.

nd that if you use your vehicle for your own personal use alongside its use as a taxi, then this will need to be factored in when you claim any expenses. As an example, if you use your vehicle 50% of the time for running personal errands, then your running expenses would need to be reduced by 50% accordingly.

 

Are you a taxi driver and need help with your self assessment tax return?

An Accounting Gem are here to offer you expert legal advice on how to fill in your self assessment tax return, and let you know about what tax breaks you may be eligible to as a self-employed taxi driver. Get in touch with our friendly team today on 01473 744 700 or via email at contactus@aag-accountants.co.uk