Working from home

Doshwaster

I'm just starting to tackle my 2012-13 online tax return.

From April 2013 I have been working from home. According to articles I have read, I can claim £4 per week without providing any proof. It may be a silly question but how do I claim this? Is it just a matter of adding £208 to the employment expenses section?

nomunnofun

Doshwaster wrote: »

I'm just starting to tackle my 2012-13 online tax return.

From April 2013 I have been working from home. According to articles I have read, I can claim £4 per week without providing any proof. It may be a silly question but how do I claim this? Is it just a matter of adding £208 to the employment expenses section?

Yes! (and some more characters to make at least ten)

Doshwaster

nomunnofun wrote: »

Yes! (and some more characters to make at least ten)

Thanks. I had just convinced myself that it was more complex than that.

That now turns my calculation from a small amount owing into a refund.

PlutoinCapricorn

Are you an employee on PAYE?

If so, does your contract of employment give your home address as your main place of work?

Doshwaster

PlutoinCapricorn wrote: »

Are you an employee on PAYE?

If so, does your contract of employment give your home address as your main place of work?

Yes, I'm a PAYE employee. I'm contracted to work from home.

nomunnofun

Doshwaster wrote: »

Yes, I'm a PAYE employee. I'm contracted to work from home.

HMRC state that you are not required to produce receipts of expenditure up to £4 per week. I trust that you are aware that you can claim the full costs if higher than that figure - receipts and other evidence may be requested.

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

PlutoinCapricorn

I asked because you are completing a tax return, which often - but not always - indicates a self-employed person. Also, a PAYE person who chooses or is permitted to work from home does not qualify for anything.

In that case, you are entitled to claim the basic, flat rate, no questions asked weekly allowance.

Doshwaster

PlutoinCapricorn wrote: »

I asked because you are completing a tax return, which often - but not always - indicates a self-employed person. Also, a PAYE person who chooses or is permitted to work from home does not qualify for anything.

I understand that. Before April 2012, I worked from home occasionally but didn't claim for anything but it then became full time as my office was closed and the staff were all required to work from home.[/QUOTE]

PlutoinCapricorn wrote: »

In that case, you are entitled to claim the basic, flat rate, no questions asked weekly allowance.

Thanks. I'm aware that I could do a calculation to possibly get a bigger refund but I'm happy to just get the flat rate on a no questions asked basis.

nomunnofun

Thanks. I'm aware that I could do a calculation to possibly get a bigger refund but I'm happy to just get the flat rate on a no questions asked basis


Absolutely fair enough. To be really pedantic you should claim £216 (12 x £18 per month) which HMRC allow rather than the £208 - every little helps!

PlutoinCapricorn

Using the flat rate is the simplest option, provided that you are not cheating yourself.

If you are spending much more on electricity keeping warm all day or broadband from being online all day and have evidence of this, it is best to give the actual amounts.