If you are an employee and use your own money to buy things that you need for your job, you may be able to claim tax relief for the associated costs. It is usually only possible to claim tax relief for the cost of items that are used solely for your work.

There is no tax relief available if your employer pays you back in full for an item you have bought for work. In addition, you cannot claim tax relief if your employer has provided you with a suitable item, but you want a different or upgraded model. For example, you are provided with a mobile phone for your work, but you want to buy a newer and more advanced model and pay for this yourself.

A claim for valid purchases can be made against receipts or as a 'flat rate deduction'. The flat rate deductions are set amounts that HMRC has agreed are typically spent each year by employees in different occupations. They range from £60 to £140 depending on listed occupations. If your occupation isn’t listed, you may still be able to claim a standard annual amount of £60 in tax relief. If you work in certain listed occupations, you could claim back even more.

Expenses where you may also be able to claim tax relief include:

• if you use your own vehicle for work,
• travel and overnight expenses,
• professional fees,
• costs associated with work from home and
• buying certain equipment to use as part of your employment.

The rules can be complex. If you pay out for costs that you feel you should be able to claim against your tax, but are unsure if you can make a claim, or how to do this, we can help. Please call.