Studies claimed as taxable expense

[heippu]

I am a qualified self employed personal trainer and I have recently started a 3 year course on Nutritional Therapy to add another string to my bow in terms of general health expertise. Am I able to offset the cost of the course against my self employment profits?

If anyone could offer any advise in this area, it would be greatly appreciated.

[jerome.lane]

https://www.gov.uk/expenses-if-youre-self-employed/training-courses

Not the clearest of answers! I would suggest taking a nothing ventured nothing gained approach. I would say diet and fitness are intrinsically linked to each other so it’s arguably not a new area of your existing business so therefore a deduction should be available. You’d have to be prepared for HMRC taking a different view if you did get an enquiry.