Can some-body find me a way please

Sam.cloot

Hello, I have been working as a community support worker for two different care companies for the past year, 6 months with each company. I have been advised that I may be entitled to claim a further allowance for my travel cost. The first company paid me 30p per mile and the other company 35p per mile. I have contacted the tax office and they have sent me a P87 form to fill out, but the forms require me to fill in the total milage. Both care companies are not willing to provide me with this information without a fee being incured to myself. I am in a very difficult financial situation with debts and I cannot pay the fee's. the only advice that one company have offered is to add up all milage paid then divide this by 35 to get a figure, but the tax office will not accept this, I am getting so frustrated being pushed from pillar to post by the tax help lines that have also left me with no solution and a £30.00 phone bill for the time taken to get through and then speaking to several different people. Is there anyone who has crossed this hurdle and found a way round this? I would be so grateful as I am in such a financial difficulties that if I can get any rebate this would help.many Thanks Sam

karenx

If they only way the companies will give you the details is to pay then you will have to pay

bestpud

How much do they want and how much are you hoping to gain once you have the information? That's what I'd base my decision on.

How are you paid? Can't you work it out from wage slips?

I think I'd be keeping a tab myself anyway to ensure I was paid correctly but that's no help with past mileage. I would definitely do that from now on though.

AnxiousMum

Do you expense your mileage? My company pays me 40p per mile which is what is allowed tax wise (I'm guessing you are looking to claim the difference between what the employer pays and the 40p allowable limit?). I do mine on an expense form every two weeks - and if you do this, can you not submit copies of your expense reports? You must have some way of recording the mileage to submit for reimbursement.

Benefits_Bod

Hmmm.... lateral thinking time....

This won't avoid a charge, but it will minimise it.

Submit a request (to your former employer) under the Data Protection Act requiring it to provide ALL information / documentation about you, including all employment / pay / mileage / personnel records - however so held.

Maximum you can be charged under the DPA is £10.

In my experience, it is truly astonishing what a DPA request can reveal .

If the employer refuses, complain to the Information Commissioner (google for the website).