Can I claim an NASUWT tax rebate?

Teachers who pay into the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers can claim NASUWT tax relief on two thirds of their annual subscription.

Your NASUWT tax rebate can be backdated for the last four tax years. When your claim is finished you’ll be given a new tax code, which reduces your monthly tax bill and continues your savings.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about claiming your NASUWT tax rebate – from checking your eligibility to filing your claim correctly.

We’ll help you understand what tax relief teachers can claim, how to calculate your rebate, and the step-by-step process to get your money back from HMRC.

Understanding NASUWT Tax Relief Eligibility Requirements

Before starting your claim, it’s important to know if you qualify for the NASUWT tax rebate.

Not all education professionals automatically qualify, so understanding the specific requirements will save you time and prevent potential claim rejections.

To claim NASUWT tax relief, you must:

• Be a qualified teacher or education professional who pays membership fees to the NASUWT.
• Pay income tax through PAYE (Pay As You Earn) or self-assessment.
• Use your own money to pay for membership fees and other eligible expenses.

The NASUWT membership tax claim process is available to various education professionals, including:

• Qualified teachers in state or private schools.
• Teaching assistants with appropriate qualifications.
• Education support staff who pay NASUWT membership fees.
• Supply teachers and part-time educational professionals.
• Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) in their probationary period.

Can NASUWT members claim tax relief for anything else?

Many members of the NASUWT have other job related costs which tax relief can be claimed on.

If you are eligible to claim a teacher tax rebate for other work expenses you should include them in the same claim

Some common examples are:

• Washing and buying specialist clothing for example a sports kit.
• Using your home for work purposes.
• Mileage for journeys to different places of employment for example a peripatetic teacher traveling to different schools.
• Classroom supplies: Classroom supplies include items like stationery or teaching aids that aren’t provided by your school.
• Buying books or journals that are used in class or for preparation.

Most expenses need to be backed up by receipts proving what you have spent. If you haven’t kept any from the past it’s best to start from now to ensure you have what you need in the future.

You can use our free income tax and tax rebates guides to learn more about the UK tax system and how you can make tax savings.

How do I claim my NASUWT tax rebate?

Learning how to claim NASUWT tax rebate is straightforward once you understand the process.

Here’s a simple guide to filing your claim correctly to HMRC.

Required documentation:

Before starting your claim helpful information to gather includes:

• Your national insurance number.
• Details of your employer (school name and address).
• Record of your NASUWT membership payments. A statement from the NASUWT is acceptable.
• Receipts or another form of evidence showing that you paid for other teacher tax rebate expenses.
• P60 form from the relevant tax year (if available).

Providing detailed records strengthens your claim and prevents potential issues.

Filing your claim to HMRC

There are a few ways to submit your NASUWT tax rebate claim:

1. Online expenses form: The quickest and easiest method is completing HMRC’s form through their web service. You’ll need a Government Gateway account to access this service.
2. Postal P87 Form: If you prefer, download and print a P87 form from the HMRC website and submit it by post.
3. Self Assessment: Teachers who complete self assessment should enter their expenses directly on their tax return in the employment section.

When submitting your claim online or via a P87 you’ll need to:

• Enter your personal details and employment information.
• Provide evidence of your expenses (including NASUWT membership fees).
• Enter your bank details if you prefer receiving payment via a bank transfer.

After Submission

After submitting your claim:

• HMRC can typically take anywhere up to 12 weeks to complete the process.
• You’ll receive written confirmation regarding your tax rebate status or an update through your personal tax account.
• You should receive a P800 tax calculation which will show if you are due a tax rebate and the figures used. Checking your P800 for accuracy is always recommended.
• If approved, the rebate is usually paid directly to your bank account or as an adjustment to your tax code.
• HMRC offers phone support Monday through Friday should questions arise.

How the teacher tax rebate UK system works

The teacher tax rebate UK system enables educators to claim back 20-45% of eligible professional expenses.

Understanding how the system works helps ensure you receive the maximum refund possible.

How much can teachers claim back on taxes

How much can teachers claim back on taxes depends primarily on your tax rate:

• Basic rate taxpayers (20%) receive tax relief on 20% of eligible expenses.
• Higher rate taxpayers (40%) can claim 40% of eligible expenses.
• Additional rate taxpayers (45%) can claim 45% of eligible expenses.

For NASUWT membership fees specifically, you can claim relief on two thirds of your annual subscription.

For example, if your annual membership is £200 and you’re a basic rate taxpayer, you could receive around £28 back (20% of two thirds of £200).

Some teachers don’t realise they can backdate claims for up to four previous tax years. This means if you’ve been paying standard subscription rates for multiple years without claiming, your total rebate could reach hundreds of pounds.

How reimbursements affect your claim

Your claim will be reduced by any reimbursements already received. If your school has fully reimbursed an expense, you cannot claim tax relief on that item.

For partially reimbursed expenses, you may claim relief on the difference you personally covered.

Maximising your tax relief for teachers: Essential Tips

The NASUWT tax rebate is just one aspect of tax relief available to educators. Here are some tips to maximise your claims:

Keep detailed records

Maintain a folder (physical or digital) containing:

• Receipts for all professional purchases.
• Proof of NASUWT membership payments.
• Documentation of professional development courses.
• Records of classroom supplies purchased.

This documentation makes the claiming process smoother and helps ensure you don’t miss any eligible expenses.

Claim for multiple years at the same time

Many teachers don’t realize they can claim for previous tax years. You can backdate claims for up to four years, potentially recovering hundreds of pounds in overlooked tax relief.

Consider using a Tax App

Several tax apps and services can help track your expenses throughout the year, making the annual claiming process easier. Some even offer specific features for teacher expenses.

Additional Resources

For official guidance and to make your claim, visit these trusted resources:

• HMRC Tax Relief for Expenses of Employment
• Teacher Student Loan Reimbursement Scheme
• Professional Bodies Approved for Tax Relief
• P87 Form for Tax Relief Claims
• Government Gateway Registration

Remember, tax regulations can change annually, so always check the latest guidance before making a claim.

If your situation is complex, consider seeking advice from your teaching union or a tax professional.