Can I claim my van, tools and materials against tax?

Yes — a van used for business is normally claimed through capital allowances (or as a simplified mileage claim if you use it privately too and keep it simple), tools and equipment used in your trade are deductible, and materials you buy and use on a job are a straightforward business expense.

Where it gets less clear is mixed-use items: a van used for both work and personal driving needs some form of apportionment, and tools that last for years (rather than consumables like screws and sealant) are usually capital purchases claimed through annual investment allowance rather than expensed in one go, which changes how and when the relief lands, not whether you get it. Keeping receipts and a simple mileage log matters more in the trades than almost any other self-employed sector, because HMRC is well aware these are the categories most likely to be estimated rather than evidenced. If you've been guessing at your van or tools costs rather than tracking them properly, it's worth tightening that up before your next return.