Claiming tax back for tools for work

ultimatetodd75

I am due to start a new job next week. I will be moving to a company that manufacturers and installs window blinds..My role will be split between factory supervisor and out in the van fitting. For the fitting role I have to supply my own tools. Have been out purchased various gear that will be used in the job. Cordless drill/driver and Cordless SDS drills alone cost me £320 will also be buying new tool box for work and a few other items . I'm a little confused with the whole process of claiming for these can anyone give some advice.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6665682/claiming-tax-back-for-tools-for-work

If you need those tools to do your job why hasn't your employer provided them?

At the very best, and with quite some effort on your part I suspect, you might be able to get tax relief on (some of?) the costs. But that will be a fraction of what you have paid out.

https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/uniforms-work-clothing-and-tools

ultimatetodd75

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81976935#Comment_81976935

Some companies will supply tools to the fitters but many don't as this can get very costly for the company if the fitter isn't taking care of gear and losing or breaking stuff.

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6665682/claiming-tax-back-for-tools-for-work

Are you being employed on a staff basis (PAYE) or as an independent sub-contractor (sole trader or own Ltd Co.)?

ultimatetodd75

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81977015#Comment_81977015

Staff/PAYE..I understand it's possible for me to claim tax back on tools in a similar way you can claim for maintaining and cleaning uniform. I've done the uniform claim on the past as has my wife with her job.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6665682/claiming-tax-back-for-tools-for-work

You need to claim by post ( form P87) enclosing receipts.

You do not get the cost of the items , but tax relief on the cost.

If you are liable at basic rate then 320@ 20%.

Grumpy_chap

For an employee on PAYE, it is difficult to claim back tax associated with the costs of tools.

The tools must satisfy the "wholly, exclusively and necessarily" test and, in the case of a direct employee, the default status would be that any such tools are provided by the employer.

Where the "wholly, exclusively and necessary" test is satisfied but the employer has not provided tools (for example, the employer pays a tool allowance with salary or writes into contract that the employee is to provide tools, then the employee can claim back the tax on the cost of tools.

For a basic (20% tax payer spending £320 on tools, that tax relief amounts to a reduction in tax to be paid of £64 so the employee is still down by £256 compared to the employer providing the tools.

ultimatetodd75

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81977082#Comment_81977082

Thanks for this information it's very useful..I do hope my contract states that I must supply my fitting tools, If not I will request they amend it. I did already have tools I could use but more casual DIY stuff and know I would of killed my cheap stuff if using on a daily basis..I didn't mind buying my own let's face it of a company supplies tools they probably wouldn't be your preferred choice. I expected it would of been around the 20% I voucher back every little helps. The new job means I have company van so will be saving on my personal travel as I won't be using my car paying for parking or use of public transport as I have over the last 22 years.. So the savings on travel will soon offset the initial spend on tool's.

Grumpy_chap

I didn't mind buying my own let's face it of a company supplies tools they probably wouldn't be your preferred choice

Well, I personally would have reached the opposite conclusion that a company that does not supply tools is not a preferred choice to work for.

ultimatetodd75

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81977143#Comment_81977143

I've worked in the Window blind trade for over 22 years with the same company. Wanted to do more of a fitting role for a number of year's however the opportunity has never arrived with them.. I've been approached by a few local firms who found my info on a job website and had some petty terrible offers that I've rejected. Out of these companies only one supplied tools to fitters . They have such a bad reputation as an employer and for general customer service they will do all kinds to attract staff and have a very high staff turnover, I know people who did work for them and the tools supplied were very cheap tat and the working environment quite toxic. The outlay of the tools will be recovered within a couple of months no longer spending on travel/parking.

ultimatetodd75

Yes this is what I mean. Only one company local I know if whom will supply tools to fitters. The tools are cheapest of cheap and the company have a high staff turnover due to poor management also reputation for poor quality work/customer service.