Tax Rebate

Flamingo80

I have been approached by a company called Teacher Tax Rebate to apply for tax relief on subscriptions paid to a teaching union. Is this for real? Can I reclaim straight from HMRC and therefore not pay any fees for doing it?

Also, never considered it before but having read this forum today... Can I apply for any relief on fuel bills for commuting? I drive 60+ miles a day and my monthly fuel bill is ridiculous.

System

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/relief-subs.htm

There's a link to HMRC's list of approved bodies etc on their website. And yes, you can claim directly from HMRC without paying any fees.

Linton

Flamingo80 wrote: »

I have been approached by a company called Teacher Tax Rebate to apply for tax relief on subscriptions paid to a teaching union. Is this for real? Can I reclaim straight from HMRC and therefore not pay any fees for doing it?

Also, never considered it before but having read this forum today... Can I apply for any relief on fuel bills for commuting? I drive 60+ miles a day and my monthly fuel bill is ridiculous.

You cannot claim tax back for the cost of commuting from your home to your normal place of work. You can claim it back, I believe at the rate of the income tax on 45p/mile, for travel done as part of your job. Of course this is reduced by any expenses your employer pays you.

wannabe

I had the same email and got quite excited that I could claim back something for the union fees, I'm just gutted I didn't realise earlier as I have been teaching 14 yrs. I am unsure what to do though as I read that they charge for the cheque and 20%.
Did you try with them Flamingo80 or with someone else?

anselld

Just write to HMRC with the details.
You have until end Jan to claim back to 2005/6 tax year.
No point paying someone else to do it for you!

jimmo

You can't go back to 2005/06, only to 2008/09 now.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/deadlines-taxpayers.htm

jimmo

Erm, its 2013 now.

anselld

jimmo wrote: »

You can't go back to 2005/06, only to 2008/09 now.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/deadlines-taxpayers.htm

oops, yes, haven't quite got used to it being 2013 yet!

Cook_County

Have you complained to your Union:

1. That they failed to tell you before, and
2. They refer to you a company that is not qualified as Chartered Tax Advisers?

missy23

Hello... can I claim my fees back now (May)? Or have I left it too late?

comeandgo

Just write to HMRC and tell them. Its not too late though not sure how many years they will allow you to go back -I think its only 3 now. You dont get the full amount back - only tax relief on the amount paid