Do you belong to the Fire Protection Association?
As a profession you do a brilliant job of keeping the public safe from the dangers of fire by identifying risks and preventing firs. You have maintained your reputation for expert knowledge and quality of work for over 70 years – an amazing record!
As a way of giving back HMRC allows firefighters to claim a tax refund for some work related expenses.
What can I claim a firefighter tax refund for?
As a firefighter here are a few of the most common claims you are entitled to:
- Your membership fee for the Fire Officers Committee Fire Protection Association.
- Buying and laundering your uniform.
- Mileage on journeys for work done in your own vehicle. This doesn’t mean an ordinary home to workplace commute. But things like attending meetings, training conferences or fire safety work in the community.
Are Fire Brigades Union fees tax deductible?
Unfortunately there is no agreement between the Fire Brigades Union and HMRC to allow you to claim a tax rebate on this cost. Many unions do, so it might be worth raising the issue with your local rep. As soon as we hear anything, we’ll let you know – watch this space!
Some of the professional bodies or Unions which tax relief can be claimed for are:
- Institution of Fire Engineers
- Institute of Fire Prevention Officers
- Fire Officers’ Committee Fire Protection Association
- Institute of Fire Safety
- Society of Fire Safety Engineers
- Unison
How do I claim a firefighters tax rebate?
To start your firefighters tax rebate claim you should complete a form P87 and send it online or by post to HMRC.
HMRC will then review your P87 employment expenses claim and send you any tax rebate due along with a P800 tax calculation.
Tony Shanks