Can PCS members claim tax relief on their union fees?
We’re afraid not. Despite the fact that you do jobs that are integral to the smooth running of the entire country, you cannot claim back tax relief on your PCS union membership fees. Keep reading it gets better.
What?!
HMRC has agreements with other unions like UNISON and the NUT, but no such contract exists with PCS. It would be at least a small acknowledgement of your hard work if this were to change – keep an eye on our news page and we’ll let you know if we hear anything.
Can PCS members claim a tax rebate for work expenses?
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is big, with with around 240,000 members. It’s the largest civil service trade union in the UK with members working in many different roles.
So it’s likely you will fall into at least one of the categories that can mean you will be eligible for a tax rebate.
Whether you are an air traffic controller, coastguard or part of our courts service you can find below some of the most common, successful claims we’ve had for PCS members;
- Work travel in your own vehicle, between temporary work sites.
- Buying and/or laundering your own uniform or protective clothing.
- Buying tools or equipment just for work purposes.
- Working from your own home.
- Accommodation and subsistence costs if you have to stay away from your home.
If any of this sounds familiar, or you’re just not sure, you should find out more to avoid missing out on money you are owed.
Remember:
- HMRC will not automatically make a refund for job expenses, you must make an official claim.
- A tax rebate claim can be backdated for the previous four tax years which can increase the value of your tax rebate claim.
How do PCS members make a tax rebate claim?
To claim for employment related expenses a P87 form is normally completed and submitted online.
For taxpayers with a claim value of £2500 or more a self assessment tax return is usually needed and this can be submitted online as well.
Tony Shanks