Tax tips every UK freelancer should know

Most freelancers overpay tax because they miss claimable expenses, forget deadlines, or mix personal and business finances. GigShield fixes all three — automatically.

Free to startNo card required3 min setupMTD-compliant
Start claiming expenses free →

Every expense you can claim

HMRC lets you deduct these costs from your income. Most freelancers miss at least a few.

🏠

Home Office

Claim a proportion of rent, utilities and broadband if you work from home.

💻

Software & Subscriptions

Design tools, cloud storage, project management and other work software.

📱

Phone & Broadband

Business-use proportion of your phone plan, broadband and data costs.

🚆

Travel

Train fares, bus tickets, mileage and accommodation for client meetings.

📚

Professional Development

Courses, books, conferences and training related to your freelance work.

🧾

Accountancy Fees

Fees paid to accountants or bookkeepers for your Self Assessment.

🏦

Pension Contributions

Personal pension contributions get tax relief — don’t leave it unclaimed.

🖥️

Equipment

Laptops, monitors, desks, chairs and other equipment for your work.

Common mistakes that cost you money

Avoid these pitfalls and you’ll keep more of what you earn.

Missing the 31 January deadline

File your Self Assessment late and HMRC charges an immediate £100 penalty — plus interest on unpaid tax. GigShield sends deadline reminders so you never get caught out.

Not separating personal & business

Mixing personal and business spending makes it harder to claim expenses and increases the risk of an HMRC enquiry. GigShield categorises everything automatically.

Forgetting to claim valid expenses

Home office costs, software subscriptions and training are all deductible — but only if you remember to claim them. GigShield tracks every qualifying expense for you.

Freelance smarter, not harder

GigShield tracks every expense automatically. Start free — no card needed.

Get started free →