Can I Claim a Laptop as a business expense?
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
If you’ve bought a laptop for your business (or you’re thinking about it), you might be wondering: can I claim it as an expense?
In most cases, the answer is yes, as long as it’s used for business.
The key thing HMRC cares about is how the laptop is used:
100% business use = you can usually claim the full cost
Mixed business and personal use = you can usually claim a proportion, based on the business-use percentage
What does “claiming a laptop” actually mean?
A laptop is typically treated as equipment for the business. Rather than being a day-to-day running cost, it often falls under capital allowances (because it’s an asset you’ll use over time).
That’s why you’ll often hear accountants talk about claiming laptops through capital allowances rather than putting them through as a normal expense.
If the laptop is used only for work
If the laptop is used wholly and exclusively for business, you can usually claim 100% of the cost.
Examples of business use include:
Bookkeeping software and accounts work
Client emails and admin
Video calls
Creating quotes, invoices, and proposals
Business banking and payment processing
If the laptop is used for work and personal use
If you use the laptop for both business and personal use (for example, you also use it for streaming, personal emails, or family admin), you’ll normally claim only the business-use proportion.
How to work out the percentage
You don’t need to overcomplicate it, but you do need a method that’s reasonable and consistent.
A simple approach is to estimate your typical usage, for example:
You use the laptop around 70% for business and 30% personal
You’d then claim 70% of the cost.
If you want to show it as a simple calculation:
Laptop cost x business use
What records should I keep?
To keep things clean (and stress-free if you’re ever asked), keep:
The purchase invoice/receipt
Proof of payment (bank/credit card statement)
A short note of your business-use percentage and how you estimated it
Quick FAQs
What if I already owned the laptop before starting the business?
You may be able to claim for equipment introduced into the business, depending on circumstances and value. It’s worth getting advice so it’s done correctly.
What about laptop accessories?
Items like a mouse, keyboard, monitor, laptop stand, and bag may also be claimable if they’re for business use (again, full or partial depending on usage).
In Summary
Yes, you can usually claim a laptop as long as it’s used for work.
Claim 100% if it’s only for business
Claim a proportion if it’s used for business and personal
If you’re unsure which route applies to you, or you want to make sure you’re claiming it in the most tax-efficient way, get in touch with Josie Dayment Bookkeeping.
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