Did you know that you can claim tax relief on the fees for your safety and emergency training courses?
Mandatory safety courses for offshore workers is one of the most effective lessons to have been learned, following the Piper Alpha tragedy nearly 30 years ago. The government acknowledges the cost of these courses to you by allowing you to reclaim the tax paid on this work expense.
Which courses are covered by this tax allowance?
- Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET)
- Minimum Industry Safety Training (MIST)
- Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET)
Given that the cost is heading towards £100 per course and there is a renewal requirement every four years, this tax relief is an entitlement you shouldn’t miss out on.
Not every person who pays for a course themselves is eligible to claim. The rules are restrictive with the cost of courses taken in preparation for a job not usually allowable.
Are there any other tax reliefs applicable to offshore workers?
Yes, and our clients who work offshore receive an average total of £700-£800 every tax year. This is the figure for the majority of employees who work a two-week on/off shift pattern.
6 common offshore workers tax reliefs:
- Mileage; if your employer’s payment is not the full 45p per mile (for the first 10,00- miles), then you are entitled to reclaim the difference. You can use our free mileage tax relief calculator to estimate your refund.
- Work related public transport or taxi fares to the heliport.
- Accommodation costs; if you have to stay in a hotel before leaving from the heliport.
- Uniform; the cost of replacing items and washing work uniform is allowable.
- Safety equipment and clothing; if you buy any of these items yourself and are not reimbursed by your employer.
What paperwork do I need to make an offshore worker’s tax rebate claim?
Different tax reliefs and allowances have different evidence requirements. The most important information is the locations you have worked, with start and end dates. Remember that your Vantage card can access all this information and you can request a printout. Other basic paperwork that helps shore up your claim includes; employment contract, wage slips and receipts for eligible work expenses.
How long does it take to get my rebate into the bank?
After we submit your claim, the length of processing time is largely down to the weight of HMRC’s workload. It can be anything form 6-12 weeks. But we will monitor your claim’s process for you to make sure that it is resolved as quickly as possible.
Does a tax rebate claim have anything to do with my employer?
No, any dealings you have with HMRC are private and your employer is not liable to pay your tax rebate.
Can I make this tax rebate claim myself?
Yes, you can make a tax rebate claim yourself using the information on GOV.com.
Tony Shanks