Can I claim for internet access?

milliemonster

I have recently started a new job where, like in my old role, I work from home and need internet access.

In my old job, my employer arranged and paid for BT internet access but upone starting my new job I have had to set this up myself. I have set it up with Talk Talk but am having loads of problems constantly losing connection and it seems the only option is to upgrade the router (which I will have to pay for) or go back to BT (which is going to cost me £15 a month)

My new employer has said I cannot claim for internet access as it would be treated as a benefit in kind due to me being able to use it for personal use. I don't understand this as it was organised and paid for by my previous employer and it was never on my P11D as a benefit in kind? Also we have mobiles for work which we are also allowed to use for personal use (within reason) and are not taxed on this, can someone clarify for me?

TM1976

Here is the tax rule on this:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/eimanual/EIM21617.htm

You employer isn't obligated to pay this but it's possible that it may not be taxable as you didn't have internet access before. The problem with this for an employer is they either pay internet access for all or for none of their employees doing the same job.

You can't claim tax relief on this because you can't determine the business use element.

If you work at home you can however claim a flat rate tax expense allowance of £3 per week (you don't get the £3 just the tax on it).

This may be your best bet if you don't already claim this.

Theodor

TM1976 wrote: »

Here is the tax rule on this:


You employer isn't obligated to pay this but it's possible that it may not be taxable as you didn't have internet access before. The problem with this for an employer is they either pay internet access for all or for none of their employees doing the same job.

You can't claim tax relief on this because you can't determine the business use element.

If you work at home you can however claim a flat rate tax expense allowance of £3 per week (you don't get the £3 just the tax on it).

This may be your best bet if you don't already claim this.

:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:

PlutoinCapricorn

Are you required to work at home by your employer or is it your choice and the employer has agreed?

If it is what the employer has asked you to do, then if you are out of pocket, claming the flat rate is the simplest option.