Tax back on professional membership?

sazzy6

Just been reading about this on the mortgage free board and wanted some more information.

I know this is a really stupid question but for a teacher does this mean the GTC (general teaching council) and your union?

We already have the GCT money sorted but didn't know if we could get anything from the unions subs.

If we can, can anyone suggest how to get this started?

jem16

You can claim tax relief on your GTC subscription.

You can also claim tax relief on the full amount of your union subs. I checked this with HMRC earlier this year as I wasn't sure exactl;y what percentage of the subs I could claim. The EIS told me one thing, my tax return told me another so I asked HMRC. They checked as it depends on the union. I was told that my teaching union (EIS) allowed me to claim for the whole amount - possible something to do with the fact that you would be very silly to be in teaching and not be in a union for legal purposes.

All you do is phone HMRC and say you wish to claim tax relief for both - make sure you tell them that it is a teaching union.

You can also have it backdated for 6 years.

sazzy6

Great thank you!

I'm on the case. No one seems to be able to tell me what % I might get but if I work on the same about as you I hope I won't be far out.

jem16

Basically in my self assessment calculation they allowed £40 for GTC and £136 for EIS subs so total of £176 reduction in my taxable income.

20% of £176 is £36.20 tax relief.

chrismoney1800

Yeah, its basically the same as claiming for washing of uniform.

I am currently doing it for my NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council) fees.

sazzy6

Well I am just looking forward to claiming it back. I rang the tax office and they said that I have to write them a letter telling them what I said over the phone. The NUT said there is a form to fill in 'P358' but I can not find this anywhere.

I do wish they would all agree with one another

I would love to claim back washing my clothes and all the other stuff I spend on resources for the classroom. Don't think they would let me do that though :rotfl:

chrismoney1800

Well to claim back it would be through the tax office. So writing to them would be the correct and best option. Just state your tax code in the letter and what you want to claim back. Also state your employer and how long you have been with them for.

I would love to claim back washing my clothes and all the other stuff I spend on resources for the classroom. Don't think they would let me do that though

Yes, I don't think they let teachers as they don't usually have a uniform.. Sadly

stiggy4

Hi guys. Heard about claiming tax back on union subscription from a pal then found this fab thread on the forum. I'm hoping that being a member of the NASUWT teaching union is a 'yey' from the tax office. Definately looking into this tomorrow.
Thanks for the extra info. Will keep an eye on this thread!

Wonder if I could claim for 'nit' remedies and vino too

sazzyb

Hi all
Found this thread by chance - i'm also a member of NASUWT & have heard a few things about claiming tax relief but don't really understand it (!) - where do I even start in finding about this & going about claiming it? TIA

Willman_Rodders

Sazzyb,

First approach your teaching Union; they will advise you of the actions required and any forms to complete. I recall the Union will then supply you with a form certifying how much you have paid in union subs for the previous 6 years. Then you just submit this form to your tax office - and sit back and wait for a little cheque to come to you. That's how it used to be done anyway in 1998-2004 when I was advising teachers as an IFA.

laurettamckinnon

Can I claim union subs...even though I retired 6 yrs ago?