Home working tax benefits

beatnik

Hi, I wondered if there are any tax benefits to working from home. I work for a local authority and work from home on average 4 days per week, with 1 day in the main office.
I am obviously using electricity and gas when at home, so wondered if these costs can be offset by some kind of tax allowance. My employer has said that they do not provide any kind of allowance for this.

Thanks for any advice!

fengirl_2

If you are required to work from home, ie you don't just do it because you feel it is more convenient, then you can claim the additional cost of heat, light and water against tax, but don't forget you only get relief at your highest rate, not a total refund of the bills you are claiming for.

beatnik

Thanks for the advice. How would I go about doing this? Should I contact my local tax office and let them know - is there a particular form I need to complete?

fengirl_2

You just need to write a letter setting out the amount you wish to claim for the last tax year. You will claim a proportion of the total bills, eg if you have 4 bedrooms and 2 receps and use one room for work, then you claim one sixth. They will also require a letter from your employer confirming that you are required to work at home and they do not contribute to the cost. If thsi has been going on for a few years, you can claim back over 6 yrs.

paddingtondoo

Hi,
Thanks for posting this I was just wondering exactly the same myself. I also work for a local authority and go into the office one day a week.

My employer doesn't pay me anything either. Is there any allowance for internet connections or for travel expenses?