Claiming Expenses - Totally confused

darkvader

Hi All,

I currently reside in Reading and commute by train to Newbury daily for work. My base work location is London and I have not been working in Newbury for longer than 24months so Newbury is still a temporary work place as per the law

Now, for reimbursing train costs, what is the rule of the letter?

1. As Newbury is out of town work, can I claim the travel costs between Reading and Newbury? I believe rules say you can claim lower of Office-Work Place and Home-Work Place costs and in my case Reading to Newbury is lower than London to Newbury

2. Am I legally allowed to claim this travel cost? Is there any rule that says I can only claim if the costs are higher than my NORMAL commute from home to work?

Some say I can and some say I cant while others say the company has other policies. Whatever may be the company's policy I would like to know what I can legally claim back as travel expense so if ever questioned by the company I have a valid reason available

Thanks
DV

soolin

I think this is something you would need to check with your company, it will all depend on the contracted terms and policy.

MarkyMarkD

There are two entirely separate issues.

Firstly, your employer may pay all your travelling costs, or it may be the lower of home-standard workplace and home-temporary workplace (i.e. nothing). That's between you and them.

Secondly, the amount that they pay you may, or may not, be taxable. If they pay you the actual travel costs from home to the temporary workplace, that is fully allowable (not taxable). If they pay you more, then the excess is taxable. There is no requirement to deduct normal home-standard workplace travel costs.

darkvader

Many thanks guys for the clarifying this - looks like I need to ask these questions and be very specific with the Payroll team - if they dont give a straight answer and agree for me to claim it back, then I'll do just that :-)

Else, I just swallow the cost!

DV