Although it might seem like a lot longer, Christmas was only a few short week ago! 

So it probably seems a bit odd to take a look back on the festive season, but we think that with the tax return deadline being pushed back to the our Advent calendar is still relevant! So if you need some inspiration for your tax return, and maybe some advice as to which expenses you can deduct, you've come to the right place.

As a belated festive bonus, our colleagues will also introduce you to a few great organizations that would be thrilled to receive your Christmas money! (By the way, you can also deduct the donation from your taxes ;))

APARI Advent Calendar

1 - Pet Snake - If you were an exotic dancer, and used a snake as part of your performance, you could claim it as a business expense.

2 - Protective Clothing - It doesn't just save your health but is an expense that can save on your tax too!

3 - Bulk Mail - Although most people don't linke receiving junk mail, the sender can deduct bulk postage as an "advertising strategy".

4 -  Fax Machine - Even though HMRC is pushing MTD, they have not forgotten about old tech.

5 - Tools - You can claim Capital Allowance when you own the tools. 

6 - Tax Software - Can be claimed as a business expense. (Psst, that includes APARI!)

7 - Donate to Myton Hospices

8 - Academic Journals - If you have a subscription to any academic journals or industry magazines you can claim it as an expense on your Self Assessment Tax Return.

9 - Free Samples - You can deduct the costs associated with your free samples. Btw, have you checked out our FREE MTD product? "cough"

10 - Donate to Chickenshed 

11 - Laptop - Qualifies for the annual investment allowance. If you bought it for £500 and use it for work 90% of the time, you can deduct £450.

12 - Pen - Can be claimed as a business expense if you can prove that you use wholly for business purposes.

13 - Home Office for Employees - HMRC's flat rate for employees is £6 per week or the exact amount of extra costs you've incurred above the weekly amount - you'll need evidence such as receipts, bills or contracts. 

14 - Donate to MSTrust  

15 - Meal - Cost must be exclusively for the purpose of work. If you're a food critic, Gordon Ramsey's £80 burger could be an allowable expense.

16 - Donate to Dogs for Good 

17 - Donate to Birmingham Children's Hospital 

18 - Donate to Rugby Food Bank

19 - Printer - Qualifies for the annual investment allowance. If you bought it for £500 and use it for work 90% of the time , you can deduct £450.

20 - Water Rates - A proportion of your water rates could be deducted as a home office expense.

21 - Donate to Parkinson's UK

22 - Christmas Tree Tax Brake - Sales of Christmas trees are taxed at capital gains tax rates. 

23 - Donate to Pawprints Dog Rescue 

24 - Donate to Hope 4 Rugby