Mileage receipts - HMRC - contracting

It doesn't prove the mileage but it proves the fuel was bought to cover the mileage. Theoretically, HMRC can ask you for proof of your business journeys although they are extremely unlikely to do so unless it looks like you're taking the piss. If you have dodgy claims then they might make an assessment on your behalf and, predictably, you're unlikely to come out of that well. The onus is on you so perhaps your company are just being cautious?

Even if hmrc were carrying out an investigation they'd accept mileage logs as long as you can back up the reasons for yiur journeys. They'd never ask for petrol receipts
 


Question for the tax experts/avoiders on here.

As an employee if I use my own car for work and make a mileage claim is there any obligation from HMRC that receipts must be kept?

I am a contractor but within IR35 and so working via an umbrella company. So I am classed as an employee of that umbrella company. I had to use my car for work. Having used my car for work many times in the past where I have been an employee (permanent) of other companies I've never kept receipts as they've never needed them.

The umbrella company are insisting HMRC say they have to have them. But they can accept a bank statement showing a transaction for fuel. Which to me is just bizarre.

I've not been able to find a definitive answer. Anyone know for sure?

I know that if I was outside of IR35 that I would need to keep them for VAT claim.
As an employee you just log your miles - he may check against google maps
 
Nah I reckon they are trying to claim the tax.

And it doesn't prove the fuel was bought to cover the mileage. There no linking that purchase to the miles. I could easily make up some business journeys around the time I usually fill up.

I don't think hmrc need it and most of my searches and people here confirm it. So I'm going to gan off it again on Monday.
Fair enough. Don't blame you.

It's fairly basic but you can link the fuel purchase to the miles if you are claiming for business journeys but don't appear to have bought any fuel for those journeys.
 
You log your miles, journey details and reason for travel and claim on that basis but an employer reimbursing expenses, whether at approved rates or otherwise would be wise to have in place a robust system of checking said claims in the event of a HMRC employer compliance check. That said, there is no requirement for them to check your receipts for travel in your own car. They may well be misinterpreting the mileage rules with those of other travel expenses which do require receipts e.g. taxis, trains.
So, in summary, tell them to fuck off.
 
You log your miles, journey details and reason for travel and claim on that basis but an employer reimbursing expenses, whether at approved rates or otherwise would be wise to have in place a robust system of checking said claims in the event of a HMRC employer compliance check. That said, there is no requirement for them to check your receipts for travel in your own car. They may well be misinterpreting the mileage rules with those of other travel expenses which do require receipts e.g. taxis, trains.
So, in summary, tell them to fuck off.
I needed paying so gave them bank statements but asked for proof of this requirement from HMRC. I will tell them to fuck off next week if they don't satisfy this or back down.
 
I needed paying so gave them bank statements but asked for proof of this requirement from HMRC. I will tell them to fuck off next week if they don't satisfy this or back down.
There is absolutely no requirement from HMRC for you to provide personal bank statements to your employer. They've crossed a line there mind. In fact, I'd be minded to report the fuckers to HMRC.
 
Question for the tax experts/avoiders on here.

As an employee if I use my own car for work and make a mileage claim is there any obligation from HMRC that receipts must be kept?

I am a contractor but within IR35 and so working via an umbrella company. So I am classed as an employee of that umbrella company. I had to use my car for work. Having used my car for work many times in the past where I have been an employee (permanent) of other companies I've never kept receipts as they've never needed them.

The umbrella company are insisting HMRC say they have to have them. But they can accept a bank statement showing a transaction for fuel. Which to me is just bizarre.

I've not been able to find a definitive answer. Anyone know for sure?

I know that if I was outside of IR35 that I would need to keep them for VAT claim.
I’ve got nearly three years worth of diesel receipts you can buy off me? ;)
 
They're probably claiming the vat back so need vat receipts

That was my thought.

I have been contracting/self employed for a lot of years and I have always understood you only need the fuel receipts if you are claiming a proportion of cars use as expenses. If you are just claiming the fixed mileage allowance which is far simpler I think they are happy as long as you have reasonable evidence that the mileage travelled is correct.
 
That was my thought.

I have been contracting/self employed for a lot of years and I have always understood you only need the fuel receipts if you are claiming a proportion of cars use as expenses. If you are just claiming the fixed mileage allowance which is far simpler I think they are happy as long as you have reasonable evidence that the mileage travelled is correct.

That is correct
 
Umbrella companies, ffs. HMRC clamping down on limited companies to push people through these chancers, on a par with agents. Nice one tories.
 

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