Can I claim expenses before my company was formed?

By Chris Andreou
|
Last updated
May 24, 2023

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Can I claim expenses before my company was formed? guide

Yes. You can claim pre-trading expenses of up to seven years before the incorporation date of your limited company, as long as these expenses have been paid for with your own money and were incurred‚ wholly, exclusively and necessarily' for setting up your business.

Examples of pre-trading expenses you can claim for include:

  • Internet and domain name fees
  • Purchase of computer equipment and software
  • Accountancy and other professional fees
  • Travel costs
  • Insurance
  • Stationery

To learn more about allowable business expenses, read our detailed guide on allowable limited company expenses.

<p>Yes. You can claim pre-trading expenses of up to seven years before the incorporation date of your <a href="https://goforma.com/limited-company/what-is-a-limited-company" target="_blank">limited company</a>, as long as these expenses have been paid for with your own money and were incurred ‘wholly, exclusively and necessarily' for setting up your business.<br></p><p>Examples of pre-trading expenses you can claim for include: </p><ul><li>Internet and domain name fees</li><li>Purchase of computer equipment and software</li><li>Accountancy and other professional fees</li><li>Travel costs</li><li>Insurance</li><li>Stationery<br></li></ul><p>To learn more about allowable business expenses, read our <a href="https://www.goforma.com/tax/limited-company-director-expenses-tax-allowance" target="_blank">expenses and tax allowances guide for limited company directors</a>.</p>

Read more of our Small Business Accounting guides:

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