Reclaiming tax on equipment for work

TAZ64

Can anyone help me understand how I can claim for equipment I purchase specifically for my job. I am employed but have to provide my own tools for my job and my employer does not reimburse me for any of them. I have contacted the HMRC who told me to write to them with details of my company, my job and copies of all receipts for equipment purchased. The total over 4 years (2008 - 2011) was aprox £2000. After 3 weeks I received a tax calculation from HMRC with a cheque for £218. My understanding is that I can claim for the full cost of the equipment not just the taxable amount? I have tried calling them for an explanation but they either don't answer or tell me to look on their website. Has anyone else been in the same situation and can help?

BoGoF

No, you get tax relief.....you seriously weren't expecting £2000 back?

That said I would have expected the refund to be slightly more. Assuming you are a basic rate taxpayer the relief should have been around £2000 @ 20% = £400. What year(s) calculations have you received and how much expenses were allowed?

TAZ64

Thanks for the quick response,
What I don't understand is if I was self employed I would claim for the full cost of equipment on my tax return which would be a lot more than what I received as an employee. I am a basic rate taxpayer and personal allowance according to their calculations is £6475. I have never claimed for expenses before...this is a first for me. I don't even claim for my uniform which I have seen on other threads.

BoGoF

TAZ64 wrote: »

Thanks for the quick response,
What I don't understand is if I was self employed I would claim for the full cost of equipment on my tax return which would be a lot more than what I received as an employee.

No you wouldn't, what a self employed person claims is deducted from their income in exactly the same way as an employed person. Claiming an expense of £2000 in a tax return does not mean they get £2000 back.

What year is the calculation for, and how much expenses have been allowed?

TAZ64

2008-09 expenses allowed = £282
2009-10 = £656
2010-11 = £163

BoGoF

TAZ64 wrote: »

2008-09 expenses allowed = £282
2009-10 = £656
2010-11 = £163

Ok, that comes to £1101 so at 20% = £220.20, which is more or less what you got. You need to find out where the other £900 or so expenses are. You said they were incurred between 2008 an 2011 - is that calendar years or tax years?

Have you perhaps received a new tax code for 2011-12 allowing expenses?

TAZ64

They were calendar years. I have not received a new tax code yet, however I have recently changed jobs so maybe that is where the rest will be allocated. You have been a great help, thank you.