20 expenses yoga and Pilates instructors can claim (with examples)

Every pound you claim as a legitimate business expense reduces your taxable profit — and therefore your tax bill. At the basic rate, £100 of expenses saves you roughly £28 in tax and National Insurance. It adds up.

Here are 20 expenses freelance movement instructors commonly overlook. Keep a photo or PDF of the receipt for each — HMRC can ask to see records going back six years.

Teaching space

1. Studio hire and room rental for classes
2. One-off venue bookings for workshops or retreats
3. A reasonable proportion of home utility bills if you teach online from home

Kit and props

1. Mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, blankets
2. Small equipment: resistance bands, sliders, foam rollers
3. Speakers, microphones and cables for classes
4. Camera, ring light or tripod for online teaching

Professional costs

1. Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
2. Yoga Alliance, REPs, CIMSPA or governing body membership
3. First aid certification and renewals
4. DBS check when required

Growing your practice

1. CPD courses, teacher trainings and workshops
2. Books, journals and anatomy references
3. Retreats you attend for your own professional development
4. Coaching or mentoring for your business

Running the business

1. Website hosting, domain and design
2. Booking software (MindBody, Momence, Punchpass)
3. Accounting apps and finance tools like Namastax
4. Marketing: paid ads, printed flyers, photography
5. Bank charges on a business account

One that trips people up: clothes. HMRC doesn't accept everyday activewear as an expense, even if you only wear it to teach. Branded uniform with a logo, or a specific costume, is claimable.