I've started a business, can I offset costs incurred before it started?

Yes, as a start-up, you can providing the expenses were made for business purposes. These expenses will be treated as though they were incurred on the first day of trade and tax relief will be given where appropriate.

VAT can also be reclaimed on these business expenses made prior to the date of VAT registration – the rules for this are different for goods and services.

You can go back up to four years from the date of registration for VAT on goods you still have on hand or that have been used to make other goods you still have.

It's six months for services.

If you would like more information on this area and what expenses/VAT you may be able to claim please feel free to call us on 020 8883 5258 or use our online contact form.

Date published 31 May 2019 | Last updated 20 Mar 2024

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.