Do have you an ECS card from the Joint Industry Board?
You could be owed a large tax rebate for the expenses you incur because of your job.
Members of the JIB pay for membership into the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme but are not currently allowed to claim tax relief on the cost of their ECS card.
Other tax rebate are available to Electricians under both PAYE and CIS to help cover the cost of work related costs.
What can JIB members claim a tax rebate for?
There are a mass of tax regulations in this area, these are some the most common successful claims made by ECS card holders:
- Buying your own tools and/or safety equipment to use at work.
- Mileage in your own car. (This does not include a daily commute to and from a permanent workplace.)
- Laundering uniforms or protective clothing, if your employer has not provided any washing facilities.
- Professional body or Union fees . (eg JIB) Unfortunately, Unite does not yet have an agreement in place with HMRC, but we’ll let you know on our News page as and when that changes.
- Accommodation and subsistence costs when working away from home.
JIB members tax rebate facts
Yes!
- CIS and PAYE members are both eligible.
- A claim can be backdated for up to 4 tax years.
- Even if your expenses are partly reimbursed by your employer, there may be other tax reliefs you are entitled to.
- This money cannot be automatically refunded to you by HMRC. You have to help them give you your money back by submitting a claim.
- Your tax code will change after your first claim, continuing to save you on tax payments into the future.
The Joint Industry Board’s role as a regulatory body for British electrical contractors is essential both for you as employees and your clients. It maintains standards for training apprenticeships and runs the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme.
The ECS card serves as proof of identity and guarantee of qualifications. JIB insistence of 3 yearly Health and Safety Assessments further demonstrates its commitment to improving your industry’s status. This validates your ECS card and enables affiliation with CSCS.
How do I claim a JIB members tax rebate?
To find out more about JIB members income tax reliefs and how to submit a claim to HMRC you can use our tax relief for expenses of employment guide.
Tony Shanks