If you work as a self-employed delivery driver or courier, your day is already busy enough. Between fuel, insurance, app payments, parking, phone use and vehicle repairs, it can be difficult to know what should go into your accounts and what should be left out.
The good news is that your accounting does not need to feel complicated. With clear records, the right expense claims and a simple routine, you can stay on top of HMRC and avoid panic when your tax return is due. The right accountant for sole trader support can also make things easier if you earn from more than one platform.
Why your accounts matter
When you are self-employed, the money you receive is not the same as your profit. Your profit is what is left after allowable business expenses have been deducted.
That matters because your tax is based on profit, not total income. For example, if you receive £34,000 in courier income during the year but spend £8,000 on allowable business costs, your profit may be closer to £26,000 before any other allowances are considered.
A good self-employed accountant can help you separate personal spending from business costs, spot missed deductions and keep your records in a format that is easier to manage.
Registering with HMRC
If your gross trading income is more than £1,000 in a tax year, you will usually need to tell HMRC and register for Self Assessment. For the 2025/26 tax year, the deadline to register is 5 October 2026 if you have not already done so.
As a courier, you may be self-employed even if most of your work comes through one app or delivery company. If tax is not being deducted before you are paid, you should check your position early. Our sole trader accountancy services can help you register properly and avoid unnecessary penalties.
Need Help With Your Accounts Or Tax?
Whether you need support with self assessment, VAT returns, payroll, bookkeeping, CIS, company accounts or corporation tax, Asmat & Co Accountants can provide clear, practical advice for your business or personal finances.
Expenses delivery drivers can claim
Your expenses should be wholly and exclusively for your delivery work. Common examples include fuel or business mileage, courier insurance, repairs, servicing, MOT costs, parking, tolls, mobile phone use, platform fees, accountancy fees and vehicle cleaning.
Small costs matter. If you spend £12 a week on work-related parking or tolls, that is over £600 a year. Keeping receipts and bank records helps make sure these costs are not missed.
You can also speak to accountants for self-employed individuals if you are unsure whether to claim actual vehicle costs or simplified mileage.
Mileage claims for couriers
Mileage is one of the biggest areas to get right. In the 2026/27 tax year, the HMRC simplified mileage rate for cars and vans is 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles, then 25p per mile after that. For motorcycles, the rate is 24p per mile.
So, if you drive 9,000 business miles in your van during the year, your mileage claim could be £4,950 using the 55p rate. However, if you use simplified mileage, you cannot also claim separate fuel, repairs and servicing for the same vehicle.
A spreadsheet, notebook or app can work, but your log should show the date, reason for the journey and business miles. A certified QuickBooks accountant can also help you set up digital records so income and expenses are easier to track.
Keeping platform income clear
Many couriers receive payments from different sources, such as Amazon Flex, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, Evri, DPD or private local clients. Each platform may show income differently, and some may deduct fees before the money reaches your bank.
Try to download monthly statements from each platform and match them to your bank deposits. Do not rely only on your bank balance, because it may not show the full picture of income, fees, refunds or adjustments.
Good sole trader accounting support helps you understand what you earned, what you spent and how much you should set aside for tax.
Tax returns and payment planning
Your Self Assessment tax return tells HMRC about your income, expenses and profit. The online filing and payment deadline is usually 31 January after the end of the tax year.
A common mistake is spending all the money as it comes in. A safer habit is to set aside part of your profit into a separate tax savings account. For many self-employed drivers, setting aside 20% to 30% can reduce the shock when the tax bill arrives, although the right amount depends on your income and personal circumstances.
If you want your return handled accurately, a self-assessment tax return accountant can prepare and submit it for you while checking that your figures match your records.
Do couriers need to register for VAT?
You must register for VAT if your VAT taxable turnover goes over £90,000. Some couriers may also choose to register voluntarily, but this should be considered carefully because VAT can affect pricing, admin and cash flow.
If you mainly work through delivery platforms, you need to understand whether your income counts towards the threshold and how VAT applies to your work. A VAT return accountant can help you avoid costly mistakes.
When to get extra help
You may manage simple records yourself at first. But as your income grows, your vehicle costs increase or you start working across several platforms, accounting can quickly become harder to manage.
It may be time to get help if you are behind on bookkeeping, unsure what to claim, close to the VAT threshold or receiving HMRC letters. As accountants in Slough, Asmat & Co supports self-employed people and small businesses with clear, fixed-fee advice and no unnecessary jargon.
Our sole trader accounting services are built around making your numbers simpler, so you can spend less time worrying about tax and more time earning.
Final thoughts
Being a self-employed delivery driver gives you flexibility, but it also means you are responsible for your records, expenses, tax return and HMRC deadlines. The earlier you organise your accounts, the easier it is to protect your profit and reduce stress.
If your receipts, platform statements and mileage records are starting to feel messy, Asmat & Co can help. Get in touch today and let our team take care of the numbers while you focus on the road ahead.
FAQs
Do self-employed delivery drivers need an accountant?
You do not legally need one, but an accountant can save time, reduce mistakes and help you claim the right expenses.
Can I claim fuel as a courier?
Yes, but it depends on the method you use. You may claim actual vehicle costs or simplified mileage, but usually not both for the same vehicle.
What records should I keep?
Keep platform statements, receipts, bank records, invoices, mileage logs, insurance documents and details of business-related costs.
Do I pay tax on all my delivery income?
You pay tax on profit, not total income. Profit is your income after allowable business expenses.
When is the Self Assessment deadline?
The online filing and payment deadline is usually 31 January after the end of the tax year. Newly self-employed people may also need to register by 5 October.
Need Help With Your Accounts Or Tax?
Whether you need support with self assessment, VAT returns, payroll, bookkeeping, CIS, company accounts or corporation tax, Asmat & Co Accountants can provide clear, practical advice for your business or personal finances.
