In the Income Tax Self Assessment Summary, the allowable expenses box 20 (Car, van and travel) fills with fuel cost instead of mileage allowance. Is this a known issue?

The allowable expenses in Box 20 are designed to encompass all expenses incurred during business trips, shamilt1. This includes mileage expenses like fuel costs. I'll share more information regarding your concern below.

In the context of UK tax returns and expense reporting, particularly for self-employed individuals, the Allowable Expenses section, specifically Box 20 serves a broader purpose in capturing various legitimate business-related travel costs, not just mileage expenses.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Fuel costs
• Car or van insurance premiums
• Vehicle repairs and servicing
• Parking fees
• Vehicle hire charges
• Vehicle license fees
• Breakdown coverage memberships (e.g., AA or RAC)
• Public transportation fares (train, bus, air, or taxi)
• Accommodation costs for overnight stays
• Meal expenses during business trips

This approach allows for a more accurate representation of the total costs associated with business operations.

Also, you can view this page to have a thorough explanation of the boxes with its allowable and disallowable expenses under the Self Assessment tax return (SA103F) in QBO: Allowable and disallowable expenses explained.

Lastly, you can check this article to learn how to manage Self-assessment tax returns, along with the steps on how to export them in QBO: Self Assessment for Income Tax: Checklist for QuickBooks.

Armed with this knowledge about Box 20, you've gained an advantage in navigating your tax documents, shamilt1. Please revisit this thread if you've further questions with regard to your tax returns in QBO. We're always here to help.

I use simplified expenses so cannot claim the other expenses you mention, I can only claim the mileage allowance of 45p per mile which hasn’t been included in box 20 (or anywhere else in the calculation). QBSE got this right but sole trader doesn’t. The fuel figure needs replacing with the mileage figure in box 20. 

Please note that proper categorization of transactions is necessary for processing in QuickBooks Online (QBO), Shamilt1. Allow me to provide some insights regarding your query.

You can claim self-employment expenses on your taxes and categorize them according to the guidelines in the Self-Assessment Tax Return Form (SA103F). Allowable expenses are essential for business operations and can be deducted from your taxable income, reducing your Income Tax liability. Ensure your expenses are accurate; if discrepancies arise, especially in box 20, I suggest contacting our live support team.

Here's how:

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2. Select Search and open any article, then press the Contact Us button.
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They can accommodate you Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Weekends from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Additionally, you can explore this article to save time by uploading your receipts and bills: Upload your receipts and bills to QuickBooks Online.

If you find yourself needing a little bit more help with mileage allowance or QBO categorizing expenses-related queries, I'm always here and ready to lend a hand.