How do you claim tax back?

Fishmilk

Hi, i am a mechanic who has spent approx £6500 on tools in the last 6 years and have access to all reciepts for tools needed to complete my job.
I have seen many people claiming a tax refund fo the tools purchased and after much trawling through hmrc website am unable to find how you do this.
I have seen companies that do it for you but they want 30% in return!
i am very keen to do this to help clear some debts but would really appreciate any help!
thanks again!

fengirl_2

Mechanics have a fixed rate expense allowance, so you cna only claim the difference between what you have spent each year and the fixed rate allowance. You will be claiming tax relief and not the actual cost of the tools. You simply write to your tax office, setting out the amounts spent each year for the past 6 yrs.

Fishmilk

Thanks for the reply, yeah i have read about the allowance for a mechanic which is £120 a year, thing is i have got me reciepts for the past 6 years that list a total expenditure of just over £7000!
Is there any specific things i need to include in the letter or is it a straightforward letter simply stating my expenditure and including the reciepts?
Thanks again

fengirl_2

You need to state in your letter that you are a mechanic and believe you qualify for the fixed rate expense allo9wance for 6 years, plus £xx for each year in repsect of items for receipts enclosed. Only replacement items will be allowable.

mtem74

you cant claim both FRE and actuals can you?
Thought the FRE was brought in so did have to keep records of renewables unless you wanted to

fengirl_2

You have always been able to claim actuals if they exceed FRE's.

mtem74

sorry, thought your message hinted at being able to claim fre & actuals in the same year

Fishmilk

fengirl wrote: »

Only replacement items will be allowable.

How do you mean only replacement items allowed? if my company has never supplied tools in the first place none of them are replaceable are they? or am i misunderstanding this?
thanks for all the help so far

andy50027

Hi, I am also a mechanic and have been buying tools for the past 15 years.

Is there a website link for forms to print or is just a case of contacting my local tax office?

I'd say I spend roughly a £500 a year on tools.

I've heard about this tax relief but can't find anything online about it.

Do we not automaticly qualify through our company / job or do we need to ask for the relief?

Thanks in advnce.