I haven't lied about my work uniform, just haven't told the whole truth! What to do?

Tunstallstoven

Hi all

I recently followed the great advice in the article about claiming tax relief on work uniforms and have recently received confirmation that I am eligible for a rebate and new tax code. Also rec'd a cheque for just over £50: Great!

There is one thing I thought I had better check though....The item I claimed for is a polo shirt with company logo. I work in a Care Home. But (and here's the sticky bit) I don't HAVE to wear the shirt. It's up to us what we wear. Mind you, I did not state I HAVE to wear it. Rather, I wrote:

"I am writing with a request to reclaim tax for the company polo shirt (with company logo) that I wear for work and am responsible for washing."

But i did notice in the article that one of the stipulations is that you are required to wear the clothing.

So... Do I keep quiet and if so could I get in trouble at all?

Also, is my employer likely to ask questions about it when they notice my tax code has changed?

Many thanks

Max

(PS - I did try posting this query in the main "Work Uniform" thread but it soon got buried by other queries, hence why I thought this post might be a better idea).

pauletruth

upto you. its uniform that your ment to wear. if you feel guilty tell the taman. but wearing normal street clothing in a care setting is not a safe practice.

mumblub

my two pennies worth is to wear the shirt 1 day a week that way you,re wearing it then its getting washed so basically you,re not lying and i wouldnt stress over it..when you break it down its less than £1 a week,,so i dont think the tax man :mad: will be running after you anytime soon.

SecondLegDownIsTheBigOne

You must be required to wear it:

To be able to claim tax relief, ALL of the following must apply:

• You wear a recognisable uniform that shows you've got a certain job, like a branded t-shirt or police uniform (plus we've heard reports that even plain clothes, without a logo, that you only wear for work may count - it's worth a try).
• Your employer requires you to wear it while you're working.
• You have to pay to clean, repair or replace it yourself. However, you can't claim if your employer washes your kit, provides facilities to do so (even if you don't use them) or pays you for doing this maintenance.
• You paid income tax in the year you are claiming for.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/uniform-tax-rebate

bryanb

Anybody know if a voluntary worker who has to wear uniform while working can claim? Driver of Red Cross vehicle.

VfM4meplse

I would forget this. You're too small fish to fry, and tax codes change for all sorts of reasons.

Worry about it only if you're challenged by the HMRC.

McKneff

bryanb wrote: »

Anybody know if a voluntary worker who has to wear uniform while working can claim? Driver of Red Cross vehicle.

If youre a voluntary worker you won't be paying any tax.

You cant get a tax relief if you dont pay any tax.

Tunstallstoven

Thanks to everyone for all the help. Much appreciated.

SecondLegDownIsTheBigOne wrote: »

You must be required to wear it

@SecondLegDownIsTheBigOne - yeah, that's the point of this post really. I applied. I got it. But I'm not required to wear it.... So do I just keep quiet and hope for the best /wait to be contacted by HMRC if that ever happens (as some have suggested)? Or do I own up and give them their cheque back and ask for my tax code to be reduced back down to normal?

SecondLegDownIsTheBigOne

Max_Dread wrote: »

Thanks to everyone for all the help. Much appreciated.



@SecondLegDownIsTheBigOne - yeah, that's the point of this post really. I applied. I got it. But I'm not required to wear it.... So do I just keep quiet and hope for the best /wait to be contacted by HMRC if that ever happens (as some have suggested)? Or do I own up and give them their cheque back and ask for my tax code to be reduced back down to normal?

You do this.

whitewing

I think if you do wear it, you ought to be fine. (Opinion, not fact). You wouldn't really wear the polo shirt for anything other than work.

SecondLegDownIsTheBigOne

whitewing wrote: »

I think if you do wear it, you ought to be fine. (Opinion, not fact). You wouldn't really wear the polo shirt for anything other than work.

No. He is not required to wear it. Being required to wear it is a condition of receiving the rebate. Knowingly taking the rebate when you are not entitled to it is theft.