Tax relief on Union fees

smp77

Just wondering if there are any teachers on here that have applied for the last 6 years tax relief back and roughly how much you get back. Cheers

Gertie_Walker

The simple answer is that the refund would be the amount of the sub @ your highest rate of tax. For example, if you paid £100 in 09-10, then the refund would be £100 @ 20% = £20 for that year. Repayment supplement (or interest) is also payable for past years.

TM1976

Union fees aren't typically allowable for tax relief as they aren't "wholly and necessarily" for the purposes of employment. Some are allowed in part or by special agreement though.

jem16

TM1976 wrote: »

Some are allowed in part or by special agreement though.

The teaching unions are allowed and on the whole payment. I've checked this out with HMRC and claim each year.

smp77

Do they have to update your tax code if you are in a union...how does it work?

jem16

smp77 wrote: »

Do they have to update your tax code if you are in a union...how does it work?

It's usually dealt with by an increased tax code.

Gertie_Walker

If you are claiming for past years, you need to specify that you weant a payable order, NOT a tax code change, but you do want a tax code change to give the allowance for the current and subsequent years.

TM1976

Which union subs can you claim for?

Mikeyorks

It's bound up with acceptable fees to other professional bodies - but the full list is here in either .pdf or HTML format :-

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/list3/index.htm

smp77

I am with teaching union ATL and have sent my payoffice a standard letter from my union stating my fees for the past 6 years, really I was wondering how it is calculated and how it comes back to you. Will I be entitled to anything?

Mikeyorks

Post #2 tells you how it's calculated?

Does your 'payoffice' offer to submit claims to HMRC for you? Why wouldn't you write to your HMRC office direct?