Mechanics - how to claim tax back on tools

[bexd]

Hi

I was just wondering if anyone has claimed the tax back on tools that they have brought but that have not been reimbursed by the company they work for.

I have found companies that will do it for you for a fee but i was wondering if it is possible to do yourself

Does anyone know which forms you have to fill in and where to get them from?

Thanks

Bex

[Eric Mc]

Of course you can do it for yourself. There are two ways of doing it -

the hard way - complete a Self Assessment tax form for the relevant tax year

the easier way - complete an expense claim form called a P87 for the relevant tax year

Any expenses incurred "wholly, exclusively and NECESSARILLY for the purpose of your employment" can be offset against your taxable income.

[Eric Mc]

Why haven't the mods moved this to Business or Jobs and Employment? It has been languising in this dead forum for the best part of a week now.

[Mr Will]

Eric Mc said:

Why haven't the mods moved this to Business or Jobs and Employment? It has been languising in this dead forum for the best part of a week now.

It is moved now.

You know, you can hit the report button if you want to let us know about something, such as a thread that needs moving. We can't read every single thread on the site!

[m4tt]

Can a P87 be back dated? Would receipts be required or could credit card statements be sufficient?

[matt3001]

If anyone wants any help with this I can put you in touch with someone that knows about this inside out!

[bexd]

would love help with this - found companies that do it for you but charge an extortionate amount - 30% + VAT!!

Is it a simple process??

Maybe you could point him to this thread so he could help alot of people out at once and we can all ask questions.

Thanks

Bex

[Ganglandboss]

I did this years ago when I was working as a spark in the estates dept. at a university. All I did was write to the tax office stating that I had to provide tools. I also claimed for laundry expenses as I used to wear logo'd workwear (the logo bit makes a big difference). Next thing I got a cheque back for backdated allowance and a change of tax code. I understand the IR contact your employer to verify this. I don't know if you can still do it like this but I would certainly not let someone take a cut for claiming on my behalf.

[bexd]

yer dont want to have someone else take a cut

I looked at the form suggested in the thread and it looks like you can only apply for a years worth with that when I was hoping to get it backdated.

Heard you have to supply invoices from snap-on man etc for all the purchases you have made and any reciepts and if you went through this company you have a form that your employer must sign to say that you do not get money back for tools.

Would love to know who to speak to or apply to what forms and what needs to be suppied etc though

[Eric Mc]

Mr Will said:

Eric Mc said:

Why haven't the mods moved this to Business or Jobs and Employment? It has been languising in this dead forum for the best part of a week now.

It is moved now.

You know, you can hit the report button if you want to let us know about something, such as a thread that needs moving. We can't read every single thread on the site!

Point taken. As a non "tekkie" I don't always think of the various options I could take.

But notice how the thread has "taken off" again!

I really do think that "Business" and "Finance" (and possibly "Jobs and Employment") should all be just one forum as there is so much crossover between the topics raised.

Edited by Eric Mc on Wednesday 20th May 07:27

[Eric Mc]

bexd said:

yer dont want to have someone else take a cut

I looked at the form suggested in the thread and it looks like you can only apply for a years worth with that when I was hoping to get it backdated.

Heard you have to supply invoices from snap-on man etc for all the purchases you have made and any reciepts and if you went through this company you have a form that your employer must sign to say that you do not get money back for tools.

Would love to know who to speak to or apply to what forms and what needs to be suppied etc though

Can't you complete a separate P87 for each tax year involved.

Normally, the tax authorities allow back claims up to six years in arrears.

[anonymous-user]

Hi
If I have to wear a suit to work, can I obtain tax relief on this?

[Eric Mc]

MRSNEAK said:

Hi
If I have to wear a suit to work, can I obtain tax relief on this?

No.

An employee can only claim tax relief for expenditure incurred "wholly, exclusively and NECESSARILLY for the purpose of his/her duties"

Normal clothing fails the "exclusivity" test.

Uniforms and items of clothing with job related logos plus safety-wear ARE allowed.

[bexd]

didnt think about using numerous forms for different years will look closer when ive got some spare time.

does anyone else have experience of doing this and could offer advice?

thanks

[Eric Mc]

Get the forms.

Fill them in.

Post them to your tax office.

That's all you need to do.