How do I claim work related expenses?, by HMRCgovuk on YouTube. 3 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Decide which expenses you are claiming for. Common types include uniforms, professional subscriptions, tools, mileage and working from home costs.
Collect your evidence before you start. Keep receipts, payslips, a P60 or P45, and anything from your employer that confirms the cost was work related.
Check that you can use the online service. If you already send a Self Assessment tax return, claim your work expenses through that return instead.
Open the work expenses page on GOV.UK and read the guidance for your expense type before you open the form.
Choose your expense type from the list when the form asks. Each type has its own rules and questions.
Sign in with your Government Gateway details and keep your password and sign-in codes private.
Fill in the online claim with your job details, your employer's name and the amount you are claiming.
Expect tax relief, not the full amount back. You get the tax you paid on the expense, so 20 pounds back on a 100 pound expense at basic rate.
Claim for earlier years if you missed out. You can usually backdate a claim to the four previous tax years.
Tips and common mistakes
Only claim for costs your employer has not already reimbursed you for.
Keep receipts and records for several years in case HMRC checks your claim.
You can claim by phone or post if you cannot use the online service.
Check the flat rate expenses list for your job before working out exact costs, as it may be simpler.
Questions
Do I need receipts to claim?
You should keep evidence such as receipts, payslips or a letter from your employer, even though you do not send it with the online claim.
How much tax relief will I get?
You get back the tax you paid on the expense, not the full cost. A 100 pound expense costs a basic rate taxpayer 80 pounds.
How do I get the money?
HMRC pays any refund into your bank account, or changes your tax code so you pay less tax through your wages.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
