Accounting for taxi and private-hire drivers.
Whether you drive for Uber or Bolt, run a traditional taxi or minicab, or operate through a limited company, we keep your records straight and your tax return right.
- Self Assessment prepared and filed
- Vehicle costs treated correctly
- Simple record keeping
What taxi and private-hire drivers find difficult
Income from apps and cash work
Uber, Bolt and other platform statements sit alongside account work and cash fares. All of it needs to be brought into one accurate figure for the year.
Vehicle costs need care
You can generally claim either simplified mileage or the actual running costs of the vehicle with capital allowances where applicable. The right approach depends on your circumstances and the rules that apply, and it is not always the obvious one.
Knowing what is allowable
Fuel, insurance, licensing, plate and badge fees, repairs, cleaning, phone and platform commission each have their own treatment.
Records built up over a year
Statements, fuel receipts and repair invoices are easy to leave in the glovebox until January, which is when errors appear.
VAT questions
Most drivers are below the threshold, but private-hire and account work can push turnover up. Registration and scheme choice then need reviewing.
Company or sole trader
Some drivers operate through a limited company. It suits some and adds cost for others, so it is worth an honest comparison.
How Goodman Accounting can help
We handle the compliance in the background and give you a clear view of what you have earned, what you can claim and what tax to set aside.
Self Assessment tax returns
Your return prepared from your platform statements and records, filed on time with the tax due confirmed.
Bookkeeping
Simple digital records for fares, fuel and running costs, so nothing is reconstructed from memory.
Allowable business expenses
Licensing, insurance, repairs, cleaning, commission and phone costs reviewed so the claim is complete and defensible.
Vehicle and mileage treatment
We compare mileage rates against actual vehicle costs and capital allowances, and apply the treatment that is appropriate for your situation.
VAT where it applies
Turnover monitored against the registration threshold, with registration, scheme advice and quarterly returns handled if needed.
Limited company support
Where you drive through a company, we prepare the annual accounts, Corporation Tax return and director payroll.
The services taxi drivers usually need.
Your accounting year as a driver
Record your income
Platform statements, account work and cash fares are captured through the year.
Capture your costs
Fuel, insurance, licensing, repairs and other running costs are recorded as you go.
Review the vehicle position
We check whether mileage or actual costs and capital allowances give the correct and most appropriate result.
Prepare and file
Your accounts and tax return are prepared, reviewed with you and submitted once approved.
Plan the payments
You get the amounts and dates in advance, including any payments on account.
Questions we are asked most.
If your question is not here, ask us directly — an initial conversation costs nothing.
Ask a questionI drive for Uber or Bolt — am I self-employed?
Drivers on these platforms are generally treated as self-employed for tax and normally need to report their income through Self Assessment. We can confirm your position and register you if needed.
Should I claim mileage or actual vehicle costs?
Either can apply depending on your circumstances and the rules for your situation. Simplified mileage is straightforward; actual costs with capital allowances can suit higher-cost or higher-mileage vehicles. We compare both before deciding.
What expenses can I claim?
Costs incurred wholly and exclusively for the driving work, which commonly include licensing and plate fees, insurance, repairs and servicing, cleaning, platform commission and a business proportion of your phone.
Do I need to register for VAT?
Registration is required once taxable turnover passes the threshold on a rolling twelve-month basis. We monitor your turnover and advise on registration and the most suitable scheme.
Should I drive through a limited company?
It depends on your profits, how much you draw and your plans. Where a company is right we handle the accounts, Corporation Tax and payroll; where it is not, we say so.
What records should I keep?
Platform statements, invoices for account work, fuel and repair receipts, licensing costs and your mileage. Digital copies are fine.
Chartered expertise. Personal service.
A modern chartered practice offering both the compliance work you have to do and the financial insight that makes it worth doing.
Same-Day Responses
We know how frustrating it can be waiting days for an answer. We aim to respond to client queries on the same working day, so you can get the support you need quickly.
Clear, jargon-free advice
We explain what the numbers mean in plain English, what you owe, when it is due and what your options are before decisions are made.
Cloud-based and low admin
Modern accounting software, bank feeds and receipt capture mean less paperwork for you and records that stay up to date all year.
Fees agreed upfront
You know the scope and the cost before we start. No surprise invoices for a phone call or a quick question.
Looking for an accountant?
Whether you're starting a business, approaching your next tax return or looking for better financial insight, we'd be happy to discuss how Goodman Accounting can help.