Logging expenses and mileage

When you log a household bill, KinderStart works out the business share from your hours. When you log a journey, it applies HMRC's mileage rate for your vehicle.

1. Log a household bill

Open Finance, tap + and choose Log Expense. Tap the category and choose Household Running Costs (Gas, Elec, Water). Add a description and the amount.

2. Attach the receipt

A receipt is marked REQUIRED BY HMRC when the expense is over £10 and isn't food, or when you're enrolled for Making Tax Digital. Otherwise it shows Receipt Optional. KinderStart won't save a required expense without its receipt.

3. Check the business share

For household bills, an HMRC Automated Deduction box shows your home hours per week and the percentage of the bill you can claim. Allowable Business Expense shows that amount in pounds.

The hours used are the higher of the hours you logged at home over the last 7 days and your default weekly hours in settings.

Tap Save Expense. It appears under Recent Transactions.

4. Log a journey

Tap + and choose Log Mileage. Under VEHICLE TYPE, pick Car / Van or Motorcycle:

• Car / Van: 55p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles, then 25p.
• Motorcycle: 24p a mile.

5. Add the miles

Add a description, such as the school run, and enter the miles one way. Tap RETURN for a trip there and back, and the total doubles. Tap Log Mileage Entry.

What to do next

• Childminder allowable expenses guide: view the full HMRC checklist for food, home, and mileage claims.
• Tracking your income and expenses: see how each entry changes your Net Income.
• Your year and your tax estimate: your expenses, month by month.

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