Can I claim fuel?
Either claim actual vehicle costs including fuel, or claim the flat rate per business mile. Never both.
There are two routes for a vehicle. Route one: actual costs, where fuel, insurance, repairs, servicing, MOT and tyres are all claimable in their business proportion. Route two: HMRC's simplified mileage rate, 55p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles in 2026-27 and 25p after, which replaces all of those running costs in one number.
The rule that catches people: the flat rate replaces the actual costs of buying and running the vehicle. Claim 55p a mile and the fuel receipts can't be claimed on top. And once you use the flat rate for a vehicle, you keep using it for as long as that vehicle is in the business. Parking, tolls and train tickets stay claimable either way.
What can you claim for your miles?Type your miles, get your claim at the 2026-27 rates.Quick answers
Can I claim fuel and mileage together?
No. The mileage flat rate replaces the actual costs of buying and running the vehicle, including fuel. It is one route or the other per vehicle.
Which route pays more?
It depends on the vehicle and the miles. The flat rate is simpler and needs no receipts for running costs. High costs and low miles can favour actual costs. Work out the flat-rate number first with the calculator.
Every claim, caught automatically
Snap the receipt and SoleTax files it under the right HMRC category, flags what isn't claimable, and keeps the tax number running. 14 days free, no card needed.
Join the betaSources: HMRC's SA103F Notes 2026 (the self-employment notes for the tax return), plus gov.uk simplified expenses for vehicles. Checked on 4 July 2026.