HMRC claims staff can avoid high fees charged by agents by claiming tax back directly.
Nurses, hairdressers and construction workers are among millions of employees being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to go online and directly check if they can claim extra cash back.
Employees could be missing out on their full tax relief entitlement for work-related expenses by using agencies rather than claiming online.
Eighty-five per cent of nurses pay significant fees, of up to 49%, to agents to claim tax back on their behalf – but HMRC claims you could avoid these fees by claiming directly.
How to claim?
HMRC has a simple ‘Check if You Can Claim’ tool.
If eligible, customers can log in to their Personal Tax Account to claim for their tax relief online and, if their claim is approved, be paid within three weeks. Staff can also claim by post or by calling 0300 200 3300 (Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm; Saturday: 8am to 4pm; Sunday: 9am to 5pm).
Healthcare staff may be able to claim tax relief on the cost of professional fees, some professional magazine subscriptions and the cost of washing their uniform.
It can make a difference.
Angela MacDonald, Director General of Customer Services, said: “This is the easiest and quickest way to claim back tax relief on expenses and I’m delighted more and more workers are doing it directly online with HMRC at GOV.UK
“Tax relief isn’t available for all employment expenses which is why the online Check If You Can Claim tool is so handy – you can be reassured your claim will be approved and your full tax relief will be paid directly into your bank account.”
“We know what a difference tax relief can make to hard-working customers, which is why we’re keen to make sure they get all the relief their entitled to by using our online service.”