Why can't I deduct my train tickets to commute?

Tweener

Hello,
can someone please explain me the (il)logic behind the fact that I can't deduct the train tickets that I had to buy (no commuting=no work) last year, from my income?
For me it sounds like an unavoidable expense, in the exercise of my duty, because, as I said, no train=no work.
Also, while I was on call during week-ends and nights, sometimes I had to use my personal laptop and Internet connection to connect remotely to the office...Can something be deducted out of this (wear and tear, paying for the Internet connection monthly fee, even if it was part of the rent for my flatshare, ecc...)?
Thanks a lot

hullight

Because you earn the same as someone who walks to work! :j

kickwhamstunner

You can claim expenses that you incur in the course of doing your job.
You cannot claim expenses you incur in the process of getting into a position to do your job.

Give us one good reason why you SHOULD be able to claim the expenses, given that everyone has to incur them. Should you be able to claim food (don't eat = die and thus no work), your mortgage (homeless = no work), clothes (show up naked = not keeping job) etc?

Mahmood_Reza

The train tickets are not considered necessary for you to do your job, this is only a mechanism for getting to work. If you think this is harsh, there are worst examples, eg a science teacher asked to teach history decided to study the subject to improve their knowledge, the cost of studying was disallowed as it was not considered necesary.

dizzybuff

Because I cant claim for petrol to get to and from work . I need to get there to do my job = no work . However I can claim during the course of my duties.

If you are a contractor , regardless of where you work at that specific time you will be contracted for that place to be your normal place of work.

I love being in the public sector we get nothing so it makes it easier.

irishjohn

If you are expected to work from home at any time it is the responsibility of your company to ensure you have the necessary equipment therefore you should be approaching them to cover those expenses.

Travel to work is about personal choices - method of travel, distance from home etc therefore it would not be possible to give tax allowances as they would differ greatly from one person to another according to the choices made for transport, distance etc. Again, if travel to different destinations is a necessary part of your job and prevents you from choosing any type of transport or living close, it is down to your company to equip you with a means of travel or a travel allowance to compensate.

Pennywise

dizzybuff wrote: »

I love being in the public sector we get nothing so it makes it easier.

Don't fret - most people in the private sector are in exactly the same boat.

Pennywise

If your travel to work costs cause you a problem, then look for work a little closer to home. In an era when everyone seems to be concerned for the planet, incentives to travel more go against perceived wisdom - if anything, we are likely to see incentives for people to work closer to home and travel less!

opinions4u

dizzybuff wrote: »

I love being in the public sector we get nothing so it makes it easier.

You get twice as many days off sick as the private sector .

Out of interest, what do you think you're missing out on?

GillsMan7

You can only claim travelling expenses to a temporary place of work. I'm a contractor and I predominantly work from home, so whenever I go to a client's site, I claim for travel expenses as advised by my accountant.

DCodd

Are you employed or self employed?