Are you a member of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance?
Do you know what tax rebates you’re entitled to claim on your work expenses?
You should find out more to make sure you aren’t missing out.
Can I claim tax relief on my NIPSA membership fee?
Let’s get this bit over and done with first – you cannot currently claim a tax rebate on your NIPSA membership fees because there is no agreement established between NIPSA and HMRC – unlike other professional bodies like the NMC.
This is despite the fact that NIPSA is the largest trade union in Northern Ireland with more than 45,000 members. The jobs you do in civil and public services are crucial to the efficient functioning of the entire country – getting some tax relief on fees would be a nice thank you.
If an agreement is made between HMRC and NIPSA in the future allowing tax relief on membership fees we will be the first to let you know.
Tax rebates for members of NIPSA
NIPSA represents an amazing breadth of professionals so there is probably at least one work expenses tax relief that applies to you.
Which of these work expenses do you pay?
- Washing your own work uniform where no laundry facilities are provided by your employer.
- Buying equipment, tools and protective clothing for work.
- Carrying the cost of tights and shoes that are part of work uniform, particularly for our healthcare workers.
- Working from home when it is stipulated within your work contract.
- The fees for some professional bodies and subscriptions to professional publications.
- Using your own vehicle to travel between places of work is part of your job description. (This does not mean a daily commute between your home and a permanent workplace.)
Whether you are part of the Civil Service Group or the Public Officers group your eligibility remains the same. Regardless of your pay grade or if you work in an office or on a ward, you can legitimately make a claim for tax that you have overpaid.
NIPSA tax rebate facts
- You get 20% or 40% of your work expenses back, depending on the rate of tax you currently pay.
- A claim can backdated for up to 4 years’ worth of work expenses. There is even a small interest payment on previous years.
- After making a claim, you will get a new tax code that ensures you pay less tax in the future.
- This is a private arrangement between you and HMRC, your employer is not involved and is not liable to pay any rebate. You have already given the money to HMRC, it’s just sitting there waiting for you to come and collect it.
Remember!
- This is your money.
- You MUST make a claim! HMRC cannot automatically give you back your tax overpayment, you need to help them by submitting an official claim.
How do I claim a NIPSA tax rebate?
Our employment expenses guide let’s you know what else you can claim for as a member of NIPSA and how to make your claim with HMRC.
Tony Shanks