HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to employees who might risk losing thousands of pounds by not verifying their eligibility before claiming work expenses. The government body highlighted that numerous workers could be ensnared by online ads and tax refund firms falsely promising eligibility for work expense claims, in exchange for a portion of the refund.
You might also need to furnish proof to HMRC to validate your eligibility for the claim, such as receipts for expenses. So, make sure you have these handy before filing a claim. You can do a swift check via GOV.UK here.
What cannot be claimed for work expenses
It’s crucial to remember when perusing an advert or consulting an agency for work-related refunds that several items are not claimable as expenses. For instance:
- Travel and overnight expenses for commuting to your normal place of work
- Food you bring from home when travelling to a temporary workplace
- Work from home costs when you have an office base but choose not to work there
- Work from home costs if your contact is part of a flexible working arrangement
- Uniform that has already been provided by an employer
- Uniform washing costs when your employer has a laundry facility
- Workwear that doesn’t include a visible logo
- Union fees
- Work expenses already covered by your employer
If you believe you’ve made an illegible tax refund, you should contact HMRC as soon as possible as they can provide extra support to customers who need it.