As an Uber driver, you are essentially running your own business – which means you are
entitled to claim legitimate business expenses that can significantly reduce your tax bill. Yet
many drivers leave money on the table by missing these crucial deductions. Let's fix that.
1. Vehicle Depreciation: Your Car's Silent Tax Saver
What it is: The decrease in your vehicle's value due to business use.
Why drivers miss it: Most focus only on fuel and forget their car is a depreciating business
asset.
How to claim it: You can either:
- Use HMRC's simplified mileage rate (45p per mile for first 10,000 miles, 25p thereafter)
- Calculate actual costs including depreciation, insurance, MOT, repairs (proportional to
business use)
Pro tip: Keep detailed records of your business vs. personal mileage. Money Miles;
makes recording your mileage easy.
2. Phone and Data Costs: Your Mobile Office Expenses
What it is: The portion of your phone bill used for business purposes.
Why drivers miss it: They think it's just a personal expense.
How to claim it: Calculate the percentage of business use. If you use your phone 70% for
driving work, claim 70% of your monthly bill.
What to track:
- Monthly phone contract payments
- Additional data charges during busy periods
- Phone accessories (car mounts, chargers)
3. Cleaning and Car Care: Keeping Professional Standards
What it is: Costs to maintain your vehicle's professional appearance.
Why drivers miss it: Seems too small or to claim.
How to claim it: Keep receipts for:
- Car washes and valeting
- Interior cleaning supplies
- Air fresheners
- Seat covers and floor mats
Reality check: A clean car = better ratings = more earnings. These expenses directly impact
your business success.
4. Parking and Toll Charges: The Hidden Daily Costs
What it is: Parking fees and toll charges incurred while working.
Why drivers miss it: They're often small amounts that add up over time.
How to claim it: Document every:
- Airport pickup parking fees
- City center parking while waiting for rides
- Congestion charges
- Toll road fees
Money-saving tip: Use Money Miles; receipt capture feature to photograph parking tickets
instantly – no more lost receipts!
5. Professional Development and Licensing: Investing in Your Business
What it is: Costs related to maintaining and improving your driving credentials.
Why drivers miss it: They don't see these as business expenses.
How to claim it:
- PCO license renewals
- Medical examinations required for licensing
- Defensive driving courses
- First aid training
- English language tests (if required)
The HMRC MTD Advantage
With Making Tax Digital now mandatory for many self-employed individuals, keeping
accurate records isn't just smart – it's required. Money Miles integrates directly with HMRC,
making your tax submissions seamless and compliant.
Your Action Plan
1. Start tracking today: Don't wait until tax season
2. Keep digital records: Photos of receipts, automatic mileage logs
3. Separate business and personal: Use dedicated tracking for business expenses
4. Review quarterly: Regular check-ins prevent year-end surprises
The Bottom Line
These five deductions alone could save the average full-time Uber driver £1,500-£3,000
annually. That's money you've already spent – you just need to claim it back.
Remember: You can only claim expenses you can prove. Start building your evidence trail
today, and next tax season will be your most profitable yet.
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Ready to maximize your tax savings? Money Miles automatically tracks your mileage,
expenses, and integrates with HMRC for stress-free tax submissions. Start your free trial
today.