What expenses can self-employed couriers claim?

Van running costs, fuel, insurance (vehicle + goods-in-transit), phone, sat nav, delivery equipment, parking, tolls, work clothing, and platform fees.

Can couriers claim for a new van?

Yes. Under the Annual Investment Allowance, claim 100% of the van purchase cost in the first year (up to £1 million). Electric vans qualify for additional first-year allowances.

Do I need goods-in-transit insurance?

Most courier contracts require it. It covers loss or damage to parcels while in your care. Premiums are a deductible business expense.

How do I separate business and personal van use?

Keep a mileage log of business and personal miles. Apply the business percentage to your total van costs. If the van is used 100% for deliveries, all costs are deductible.

AI-Powered Tax Analysis

AI Tax Report for Couriers

Upload your bank statements and get a personalised tax report for your courier business. Auto-categorise fuel, insurance, and van costs.

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What your report includes

Auto-categorise fuel, insurance, and van expenses

Flag goods-in-transit and vehicle insurance deductions

Calculate business vs personal vehicle use split

PDF report ready for Self Assessment or your accountant

How it works

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AI categorises your courier expenses, estimates your tax bill, and flags savings specific to your trade.

Common deductions for couriers

Our AI checks your transactions against these categories and more.

Van running costs

Fuel, insurance, road tax, MOT, servicing, tyres, and repairs for your delivery van.

Van purchase or lease

Purchase cost claimed via the Annual Investment Allowance, or lease payments if you hire the van.

Phone and sat nav

Mobile phone contract, data plan, and sat nav subscriptions used for route planning and delivery apps.

Delivery equipment

Trolleys, sack barrows, loading ramps, straps, and blankets for protecting goods.

Parking and tolls

Parking charges, congestion fees, and toll charges incurred while making deliveries.

Insurance — goods in transit

Goods-in-transit insurance covering parcels and cargo, plus commercial vehicle insurance.

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Direct Answer

How much tax does a self-employed courier pay in the UK?

Self-employed couriers pay income tax on net profit. For 2025/26, the first £12,570 is tax-free, then 20% up to £50,270. Class 4 NI is 6% on profits £12,571–£50,270. Van running costs (fuel, insurance, servicing), goods-in-transit insurance, phone, parking, and delivery equipment are all deductible.

Van costs: fuel, insurance, servicing, repairs
Van purchase: claim in full via Annual Investment Allowance
Goods-in-transit insurance premiums
Phone, sat nav, and route planning subscriptions
Parking, tolls, and congestion charges

Last reviewed: 2026-04-10

Frequently asked questions

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