Professional indemnity insurance is fully tax deductible for the self-employed — the entire annual premium reduces your taxable profit. For employees, relief is available if PI insurance is a condition of your role and your employer does not cover it. Here is exactly how to claim in 2026/27.
Who Can Claim and How
| Employment type | Can claim? | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Sole trader | Yes — full premium | SA103 “Other allowable business expenses” |
| Partnership | Yes — full premium | SA104 partnership return |
| Limited company | Yes — against Corporation Tax | Company accounts / CT600 |
| Director (personally paying) | Possibly | SA return or P87 if employment condition |
| PAYE employee (employer requires PI) | Yes — if unreimbursed | P87 (under £2,500) or SA supplementary |
| PAYE employee (PI not required) | No | — |
The Tax Saving for Self-Employed People
For sole traders, PI insurance reduces your taxable profit — saving Income Tax plus Class 4 National Insurance.
Example — Sarah, freelance accountant:
- Annual PI premium: £1,200
- Taxable profit before deduction: £52,000 (higher rate)
- Income Tax saving: £1,200 × 40% = £480
- Class 4 NI saving: £1,200 × 6% = £72
- Total annual tax saving: £552
At basic rate (20% income tax + 6% Class 4 NI):
- £1,200 premium → £312 saving
The deduction applies to the premium paid in the tax year, not when the policy period runs. If you pay a 12-month premium in March 2027, the full amount is deductible in 2026/27.
Key Figures 2026/27
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Income Tax — basic rate | 20% |
| Income Tax — higher rate | 40% |
| Income Tax — additional rate | 45% |
| Class 4 NI — main rate (£12,570–£50,270) | 6% |
| Class 4 NI — above £50,270 | 2% |
| Corporation Tax — small profits rate (≤ £50,000) | 19% |
| Corporation Tax — main rate (> £250,000) | 25% |
How to Claim: Sole Trader (Self Assessment)
- Log in to HMRC Self Assessment and open your SA100 return
- Click through to the SA103 self-employment supplementary pages
- Under “Other allowable business expenses” (Box 27), enter your total PI insurance premiums paid in the tax year
- HMRC calculates the relief automatically
Keep your insurance certificate and payment receipts for at least six years in case of an HMRC enquiry.
How to Claim: PAYE Employee
PI insurance is deductible as an employee expense only if:
- The policy is required as a condition of your employment (some regulated professions mandate it — financial advisers, solicitors, architects)
- Your employer does not pay the premium or reimburse you
If both conditions apply:
- Claim under £2,500: use Form P87 (submit online via your Personal Tax Account or paper form to HMRC PAYE, BX9 1AS)
- Claim over £2,500: register for Self Assessment and claim via SA return
Limited Company: Premium Paid by the Company
Where the company pays the PI premium directly, it is a straightforward Corporation Tax deduction — entered as an overhead in the company’s accounts. No further action needed.
Where a director personally pays the premium and wants the company to reimburse it, the reimbursement is not treated as additional salary or a benefit in kind — it is simply an expense reimbursement, which is not subject to PAYE or National Insurance. The company then deducts the reimbursed premium against Corporation Tax.
What Professional Indemnity Insurance Covers
PI insurance protects against claims from clients alleging financial loss caused by your professional negligence, errors, or omissions. It is mandatory for FCA-regulated firms, solicitors, architects, and surveyors, and strongly recommended for accountants, consultants, IT contractors, and anyone who gives professional advice.
The premium reflects the type of work, cover level, and claims history — typical annual premiums range from £200 for low-risk consultants to £5,000+ for solicitors and architects with high-value client work.
Combined Insurance Policies
Some policies bundle PI insurance with public liability, employer’s liability, or business equipment cover. Where a premium covers multiple types of insurance, you must apportion the deductible element. Only the PI component and other genuinely business-related elements qualify. If the insurer provides a breakdown, use it; if not, a reasonable apportionment is acceptable.
See our self-employment expenses guide, limited company tax guide, and income tax guide.