Tax Returns for Electricians
Tax returns for electricians: the short answer
Expenses electricians can claim
- Hand tools, power tools and test meters, such as multifunction testers
- Van purchase or lease, fuel, insurance and repairs, or 55p a mile using simplified mileage
- Materials not recharged to customers
- 18th Edition, inspection and testing, and EV charger training courses
- NICEIC, NAPIT or ECS card fees, and scheme membership
- Public liability insurance
- Workwear and PPE
- Phone and job-management software
CIS electricians
If you work for contractors under CIS, keep every monthly deduction statement. The deductions count towards your tax and NIC bill, and any overpayment is refunded after you file. See CIS tax refunds. To establish yourself as a self-employed electrician, you prepare and file tax returns. Tax return services for electricians is another way of declaring your profits to HMRC. Then move and pay your taxes. Chartered accountants make them pay extra tax for recorded proof of their expenses or charges and allowances to claim them.
Domestic reverse charge VAT
- Claim your accountancy fees.
- Lookout for advertising reimbursement.
- Get bank charges back on a business account.
- Reimburse your computer consumables.
- Reimburse fares & traveling expenses.
- Get expenses on insurance back.
- Expect your internet expenses back.
- Get all your laundry & cleaning expenses back.
- Expect the materials used for your work back.
- Get your mobile phone expenses for business use back.
- Get expenses on sundry items.
- Expect postage & stationery cost back.
- Protective clothing such as overalls and work boots.
- Get all the costs on repairs & maintenance of equipment.
- Get subsistence (if working away from home)
- Expect expenses for telephone landline – Business use
- Get expenses for trade magazines.
- Get expenses on the use of the home as an office.
- Expect all your wage expenses.
VAT-registered electricians supplying construction services to other VAT-registered contractors usually apply the domestic reverse charge, so the customer accounts for the VAT. It does not apply to work for homeowners (end users).
Example
An electrician with £55,000 of income and £13,000 of expenses has a profit of £42,000. In 2026/27, the tax is £5,886 and Class 4 NIC is £1,765.80. If £8,800 of CIS was deducted from £44,000 of labour, the electrician is due a refund of £1,148.20.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim my van if I use it at weekends?
Yes, but you must remove the private-use share.
Are training courses allowable?
Courses that update your existing skills are usually allowable. Courses that give you a brand new skill may not be.
Should I register for VAT?
You must register when your turnover goes over £90,000. See how to register for VAT.
What if I haven’t filed for years?
We can bring your returns up to date. See sole trader tax returns.
Talk to Accotax
Want this handled for you? Our team at Accotax can help with your electrician tax return. See our accountants for electricians service, or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
This page is general guidance based on HMRC rules for the 2026/27 tax year, checked against gov.uk on 14 October 2026. It is not personal advice, so speak to an accountant about your own situation.