📅 Published: April 2025
📝 Key topics: Tax returns, registration process, deductible expenses, bookkeeping tips, and professional support.
We understand that dealing with taxes can be daunting, especially if you're a driver just trying to make a living. But don’t worry—we’re here to help! At Certax Accounting Bradford, we have specialist accountants who solve tax problems every day. This blog contains everything you need to know to stay on HMRC’s good side and make your tax situation easier to handle. Plus, as a Certax Accounting Bradford client, all of this comes as part of your fixed-price service.
Our job is simple: We handle your tax while you keep on driving and earning.
What Every Driver Needs to Know
What is a Self-Assessment Tax Return?
A Self-Assessment Tax Return is something you do once a year to report your earnings and expenses to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Your profit—calculated as income minus expenses—is what gets taxed.
Do I Have to Do It?
Yes, you do! New laws, such as Conditionality and HMRC’s Making Tax Digital, mean everyone must complete a tax return. Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences, so it's better to get it sorted!
Registering for Tax
When Should I Register?
You must register with HMRC within three months of starting your trade (or earning money). If you’re a driver and haven’t registered yet, don’t stress—we’ll handle all of this for you!
What Information Do You Need to Register?
To get you registered, we’ll need the following details:
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Name
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Address
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National Insurance Number
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Date of Birth
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Phone Number
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Email (if you've already registered with HMRC)
Lost or forgotten any of this information? No problem! With our experience, we can help track down anything you might have misplaced.
What Can I Claim for as Expenses?
As a driver, there are various business-related expenses you can claim that help reduce your taxable income. Here are some examples:
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Your phone bill
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Subsistence (food and travel)
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Workwear
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Our fee
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Licensing costs
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Vehicle purchase
And more! We’ll guide you through what you can claim, tailored to your specific line of work.
Bookkeeping: Keeping Your Business on Track
HMRC requires you to maintain records of both your earnings and business expenses. But don't worry—it doesn't have to be complicated!
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Keeping track can be as simple as taking a photo of your receipts.
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If you can take a selfie, you’re halfway to becoming an excellent bookkeeper!
We’ll help you get comfortable using technology to simplify the process. It’s all about making things easier for you.
Your Vehicle: Claiming and Financing
Whether you rent or own your vehicle, we’ll advise you on the best way to finance or purchase it. We work closely with finance companies to help you get the best deals. Your vehicle’s costs can also be tax-deductible, depending on how it’s used for work.
Not Tax Registered Yet? Here's What You Need to Know
Don’t panic! You’re not alone, and we’re here to help you sort it out. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of drivers, and we’ve seen and solved every type of tax issue out there.
"I started minicabbing and didn’t want to pay for an accountant because I was already worried about money. By the second year, I was stressed that it had all gone too far and I’d be in trouble. It had been five years, and honestly, I was scared. But now that I’ve spoken with Farhan at Certax Accounting Bradford, it’s like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders." – A Shafiq
The Truth About Tax
Here’s the truth about taxes for drivers:
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There’s no such thing as a tax prison! (Really, there isn’t.)
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It’s better to approach HMRC on your own terms rather than wait for them to come to you. You can even face fines if you don’t actively assist HMRC.
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We are specialists in the trade, and we do this every day. You can trust us to guide you through the process.
Call Us Now!
Don’t let tax issues stress you out. Call 01274 800 550 today to take care of your tax worries. As a Certax Accounting Bradford client, you’ll get expert advice, tax issues solved, help with bookkeeping, and a friendly face that understands your trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Expenses, and Do I Actually Get My Money Back?
You don’t get your money back per se. Instead, expenses reduce your taxable profit. You’ll only be taxed on your profit. For something to be accepted as an expense, we need to prove it’s business-related and not personal.
What’s the Best Way to Keep a Record of My Expenses?
You can use:
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Xero software
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WhatsApp photo sharing
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Keeping all receipts and invoices safe
We’ll make sure you can easily track your expenses.
When Do I Have to Complete My Tax Return? And When Do I Have to Pay My Tax?
Your tax return must be submitted by 31st January, along with any tax due. A second payment may be due by 31st July.
How Much Do You Charge?
Our fixed fee is just £150 per year or £12.50 per month. We make it easy by splitting the cost into manageable monthly payments.
Do You Fill Out My Tax Return and Submit It to HMRC for Me?
Yes, we prepare your tax return, and once you're happy with it, we’ll submit it directly to HMRC. It’s a complete service.
How Long Do I Have to Submit My Tax Return?
The tax year runs from April to April, and you have until January of the following year to submit your tax return. This gives you 10 months, but we recommend doing it as soon as possible to avoid surprises!
What If I Already Have an Accountant?
Not a problem! We’re happy to help you transition. If you want to switch, it’s simple and quick. We’ll handle the professional clearance from your previous accountant.
What Do You Need from Me to Get Started? Call us at 01274 800 550 or email us at bradford@certax.co.uk. We’ll take care of everything for you!