The answer is, quite likely, “yes!” It is said that 1 in 3 tax payers in the UK could be entitled to a tax rebate for one reason or another.
It is crucial to ask yourself if you qualify for a tax rebate, because you will only receive one if you make the effort to claim.
It is wrong to assume that you will automatically be given a refund of tax and many taxpayers are simply unaware of what is available within HMRC’s regulations. Some people think that only the self employed can claim, which is untrue.
Take some time to see if YOU can answer “yes” to any of these – if you can, you could be owed some tax back from HMRC!
- Do you wash a uniform? A uniform rebate is usually due if you meet the cost of laundering your own
- Buy tools for work? – Tax relief on tools bought for work use can be claimed as long as you have receipts.
- Do you have more than one work location? A mileage claim can be made if you use your own vehicle to travel to temporary workplaces – not normal commuting to just one place.
- Do you use public transport to travel to different locations? Like using your own vehicle, if you use public transport to travel to places other than a permanent location, a tax rebate claim could be possible.
- Have you left the UK? if you have worked in the UK in the last four tax years and left, you could be owed a ‘Left the UK’ tax rebate.
- Had gaps in employment? If you have had multiple forms of employment in one tax year you can overpay tax
- Pay professional fees? Many professional bodies and Trade Unions have agreements in place with HMRC which allows their members to apply for tax relief on their subscription cost.
- Buy Specialist clothing? If you have to buy specialist clothing for work purposes like a hard hat or protective overalls a claim can be made.
How far back can I claim? You can normally claim for the last four tax years.
Who can claim? Anyone could be entitled to claim for a tax rebate as long as you have paid tax in the year of a claim.
What do I need? What you need depends on your situation. Some claims only need your national insurance number when others need more in depth information such as a P45 or receipts.
How long does it take? It takes between 4-12 weeks on average, depending on the complexities of your claim.
If I Am Entitled How do I make a claim? You can make a claim yourself directly with HMRC (the tax office). This can be done via a P87 form or by completing a self assessment tax return.
Tony Shanks