HMRC says ‘check’ to Brits working from home – you might be owed money

You need to make sure you’re eligible before claiming expenses

People working from home have been issued an important alert from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The tax body has warned people to “don’t get caught out”.

In a post shared on social media platform X, HMRC offered advice about expense claims. Those working remotely may be entitled to claim tax relief on particular costs.

This only applies to work-related expenditure, including business phone calls, and gas and electricity consumed for your work area. Claims can be submitted for the current tax year plus the preceding four years, meaning you could be owed money back.

You can either claim tax relief on £6 per week or the exact amount you’ve spent. Your tax relief will be determined by your tax bracket, so if you’re on the 20 per cent basic rate and claim relief on £6 weekly, you’d get £1.20 each week.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to fully understand the system before making a claim. On X, HMRC said: “Thinking of claiming working from home expenses?

“Take a closer look and check if you’re eligible before making a claim directly with HMRC. Find out more about what to watch out for.”

On GOV.UK, it warned that some firms may offer to file claims on your behalf to earn commission. It said: “Don’t get caught out by online adverts and tax refund companies who offer to make work expense claims for you so they can claim a commission.

“If it turns out you aren’t eligible to claim, you’re still responsible for any claims made on your behalf.”

If you meet the criteria, you should submit your application directly via HMRC to obtain the full amount of money you’re eligible to receive.

It is not just people working from home who can claim. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you might be able to claim tax relief for the following types of work expenses:

• Working from home
• Uniforms, work clothing and tools
• Vehicles you use for work
• Professional fees and subscriptions
• Travel, subsistence, and overnight expenses
• Buying other equipment

Claim directly with HMRC

GOV.UK says: “It’s fast, free and simple to claim work expenses with us directly via GOV.UK. You won’t have to pay any agent fees or commission if you do it yourself.

“For most expense claims, you will need to provide evidence to support your claim. The evidence will vary depending on the expense type you are claiming.

“It’s quick and easy to check what evidence is required using our eligibility checker page, and you can submit your claim and evidence online or through the post.”

Things to keep in mind before claiming:

• Have you got evidence to back up your expense claim? Customers who want to claim work expenses may be asked to provide supporting evidence to prove their eligibility before we progress the claim
• Tax relief on expenses won’t necessarily lead to a repayment. Some expenses are automatically coded through to the following year
• Expenses must be completely work-related and necessary for you to do your job. You can’t claim for any expenses that your employer has already reimbursed
• If you had an eligible claim in a previous job but the terms are different in a new job, then you may have incorrect items in your tax code
• If your expenses are under £2,500 and you’re completing Self Assessment, you can save time by using HMRC’s quick digital claim service

For more information, see the Government website here.

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