Intranet text: A message to staff about expenses
Updated 18 January 2024
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tax-relief-on-work-expenses-communication-resources/intranet-text-a-message-to-staff-about-expenses
A message to share on your staff intranet - please feel free to copy and paste as appropriate.
Could you claim back work costs with HMRC?
Did you know… you might be eligible to claim tax relief to help towards some types of work costs, if they aren’t covered by your employer?
That’s the reminder HM Revenue and Customs is sharing to make sure employees aren’t missing out.
Common work costs you could claim
- washing or replacing uniforms or work clothing
- buying or repairing tools you need for your job
- professional fees and subscriptions
- travel expenses
- some work-from-home costs
The average amount that people claim is currently around £125.
You can only claim costs like these if your employer doesn’t cover them.
For example, if your employer has already supplied you with a uniform, you can’t claim this. Eligibility criteria also applies for different types of expense claims.
How do I claim work expenses?
Go to GOV.UK and do a short questionnaire.
This will tell you if you are eligible to get tax relief from HMRC.
If you are, you can make your claim online straight away – you’ll just need to sign into the HMRC service and follow the simple step-by-step guidance.
Don’t worry if you need to set up an account, you can do this quickly and easily on GOV.UK.
Check first, claim later
It’s important to always check if you are eligible on GOV.UK before making any work expense claims – even if you use a tax agent.
If not, you could end up out of pocket.
You won’t just have to pay back any invalid expense claims. Often, companies won’t refund fees or commission they’ve already charged you if this happens – so it pays to be sure.
Claiming online with HMRC is fast, free and easy
Unlike paying someone else to handle work expenses on your behalf, claiming with HMRC directly is the only way to make sure you get every penny you’re owed.
Be aware, there are companies out there that will take over 50% of any money you’re owed if they complete a tax relief claim for you.
Don’t get caught out by bad tax advice
Some companies also offer to make expense claims on your behalf just so they can get a commission – even if it turns out you aren’t eligible to claim. You can find out more about the sorts of things to steer clear of on our don’t get caught out website.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
You might have seen adverts promising easy money if you claim tax relief with them.
But if an agent puts in an expense claim for something you shouldn’t, you’ll still be responsible for paying it back to HMRC later on.
Do your research
There are legitimate tax agents. Just make sure you choose carefully if you are interested in using one to claim expenses.
Spread the word
Pass on this information to your colleagues, friends, and family – to make sure they know if they could claim work expenses and the things they should look out for.