Reviewed by a Qualified Accountant
This content has been reviewed by our qualified chartered accountants. However, you should always check with a professional. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you make your living through sport, your finances are rarely straightforward. Between sponsorship deals, prize money, appearance fees, and your actual salary, it is easy for things to get messy.
HMRC rules state that for an expense to be “allowable,” it must be incurred wholly and exclusively for your professional work. For athletes and racecar drivers, this can be a bit of a grey area. While you can’t claim for your weekly food shop or a new pair of casual jeans, the costs required to keep you at the top of your game are often fair game.
Below, we have outlined 38 potential expenses for sports professionals and drivers to consider for your tax return.
On-Track & Competition Costs
🎟️ Entry Fees
The cost of entering races, tournaments, or competitions.
🏎️ Race Fuel
Specialist high-octane fuel and lubricants used strictly for racing.
🏁 Track Hire
Fees for private testing sessions or track day rentals.
🔧 Mechanical Repairs
Keeping your racecar, bike, or equipment in peak condition.
⚙️ Spare Parts
New tyres, brake pads, and engine components for your gear.
🏗️ Garage Rental
Paying for pit space or secure storage for your equipment at events.
⏱️ Data Analysis
Subscriptions for software or systems used to track your performance.
🪪 Professional Licenses
Fees for MSA, FIA, or other governing body memberships.
And more…
If it is a cost directly required to get you to the starting line, keep those records.
Kit & Gear
🛡️ Safety Equipment
Fireproof suits, helmets, gloves, and HANS devices.
👟 Specialist Footwear
Racing boots, football boots, or spikes used for competition.
🎾 Performance Kit
Racquets, clubs, bats, and other sport-specific equipment.
👕 Branded Workwear
Training kit and clothing that features your sponsors or team logo.
🧺 Kit Laundry
The cost of cleaning your professional gear and protective clothing.
🎒 Baggage Fees
Extra costs for transporting your kit when travelling to events.
And more…
If you rely on it purely for your professional sport, keep the receipts.
Health & Recovery
🩺 Sports Physiotherapy
Specialist treatment for injuries sustained during training.
💆 Sports Massage
Deep tissue massage to aid recovery and maintain performance.
🥗 Specialist Nutrition
Fees for professional nutritionists and tailored meal planning.
💊 Sport-Specific Supplements
Vitamins and supplements directly tied to your discipline.
🧠 Sports Psychology
Fees for mental coaching to help with competition focus.
🩹 Injury Rehab
The cost of specialist recovery gear like ice baths or compression kit.
🚿 Medical Tests
Mandatory fitness tests or medical screenings for your professional license.
And more…
If it is a physical necessity dictated by your occupation, note it down.
Travel & Logistics
✈️ International Travel
Flights for competitions, tournaments, or overseas training camps.
🚚 Equipment Haulage
The cost of transporting your car or heavy gear to events.
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels or short-term rentals while away from home for competition.
🍎 Subsistence
The cost of food and drink when you are travelling for work.
🚕 Commuting to Events
Taxis or public transport used specifically for work travel.
⛽ Work Vehicle Fuel
Petrol or diesel for your van or transporter used to move gear.
And more…
Keep detailed logs of destinations and reasons for travel to stay on HMRC’s good side.
Marketing & Commercial
📢 Agent Commissions
Fees paid to agents or management teams to secure contracts.
📸 Professional Photography
High-quality shots for your portfolio or social media.
🌐 Website & Hosting
The annual cost of your personal brand website and domain.
📱Social Media Management
Paying for help with your online presence and sponsor activation.
📰 PR & Branding
Fees for public relations firms helping to build your professional image.
And more…
If it helps market your professional brand and grow your audience, note it down.
Professional Fees & Admin
📑 Accountancy Fees
The cost of us handling your tax return is fully tax-deductible.
🛡️ Professional Insurance
Public liability or personal accident insurance.
⚖️ Legal Advice
Fees for reviewing sponsorship contracts or endorsement deals.
💻 Office Supplies
Stationery, software, and admin costs used to run your career.
🏠 Use of Home
A flat rate for the time you spend handling your admin from home.
🤝 Trade Union Fees
Subscriptions for professional bodies like the PFA or equivalent.
And more…
Expert support can prevent costly mistakes and is often tax-deductible.
