Hi Clive,

no. the 45p per mile (first 10k) is total compensation from the business for use of your car it is not a payment purely for the fuel. The mileage rate includes everything except parking fees and toll charges.

That you assumed that it was for fuel reinforces Joannes reply above as to why everyone needs to have an accountant as it's very easy to assume something which is incorrect. That said, it's doubtful that you would have asked the accountant something that small and it will just be something that they would have picked up at the period end so better nipping it in the bud wit a quick question on a forum. However, as explained by Joanne the forum isn't really geared towards business owners and things said here should not be construed as advice as we are seldom in posession of all of the facts in relation to the scenario.

In the situation here the accountant would possibly look at your use of the car and advise on wheter it would be better financially to claim mileage or run the car thought the business. They would of course take into account age of car, mileage, emmissions, etc. There are also different rules for vans than cars (and not everything thats called a van looks like a van).

Can youi see why the stock answer here is generally talk to an accountant?

hope that helps and good luck with the business,

kindest regards,

Shaun.