Can I claim the tax back?

i_love_it

Hiya all

Can anyone help with this.
We are provided a uniform for work but have to buy shoes, stockings, (stockings are sooo expensive) luggage and even make up as specified by company standards. I've heard people at work say you can claim back VAT for these items as they are compulsary for work (not self employed).

Can we? If so, how?

Much thanks in advance for any information.

bunnygirl_3

I don't think you can claim VAT back.

There has been talk recently that where employers require employees to wear certain clothes for work, that they ought to be able to claim these costs back as an allowable deduction against earnings for income tax purposes, but it's quite unchallenged at the moment. You need to check your contract carefully - do they require you to purchase these items and state this expressly in your contract? What are the consequences for you not buying these items - will you lose your job? If the answers to these questions are yes, you may have a case to claim for these expenses on your tax return. But you should be aware that HMR&C are likely to challenge the deduction, and may well see you in court as a legal test case!

My advice would be to wait it out a while and see what happens, unless you think your case is sufficiently strong to argue it in court! If so, get yourself a good tax accountant and a good lawyer!

Bean_Counter

Definitely can't claim back VAT as you are not VAT registered.

milkydrink

VAT no.
But you can claim a tax allowance on this.
Contact your tax office (I would write in with the details), they will probably send you a form.
I actually did it years ago, in a job I had.