Morning all.
I had the joy of my alternator on my work van failing the other day so proceeded to get it to the garage and got it sorted...

My confusion comes in here now...Last night I fired off my expenses to the umbrella company I work for with the cost of said repairs included.However this morning I received an email stating I can't claim for repairs as it's included in my mileage allowance under the category 'wear and tear'...

As far as I'm aware,mileage allowance only covers servicing etc? In my mind the fact my alternator died is classed as a breakdown and not repair if you see what I mean?
I just feel like I'm being ripped off so if any of you knowledgeable souls could inform me as to what is correct or provide me with links to the right information I'd be very grateful!

Thanks in advance
Jon

Jon, presumably the van is owned by yourself, not the umbrella company?

If so, then I'm afraid they're right - the allowance for mileage includes wear and tear, which means all maintenance costs.

Sorry matey

As Dan has pointed out, your mileage allowance includes all costs related to your travel- fuel, tax, mot, repairs, depreciation etc.

A more important question for me as an accountant, is why are you using an umbrella company given you are using your own van for your work. I presume you are a contractor? You may find using your own limited company or being self-employed (if the company you work for allows) would be a better option.

Next year's Budget looks like it could (possibly) bring an end to umbrella companies anyway...

Thanks for the pointers guys,I appreciate the clarification Even if I don't like the outcome!

Yes I am a contractor and normally I would work through the CIS scheme,however the company I'm now working for refuse to do this and will only pay if I were to use an umbrella company or go down the route of being a LTD company. I am considering doing so but don't know enough to be honest and would like to be clued up before I decide, and of course in business it all boils down to profitability...so I really need to look into the ins and outs etc etc.

Any info regarding this would be appreciated.

Thanks again!
Jon

Sent you a PM

Cheers mate!