Since the beginning of 2020 when the first coronavirus case was declared in the UK, working from home has been on the increase.
Statistics show that in the third quarter of 2024, 28% of adults were hybrid working.
It is important to understand what tax benefits are available if you are in this position.
Who can claim tax relief?
You can make a claim for tax relief if your employer instructs you to work from home. This may be because no office space is available and you work at home regularly, incurring costs such as power, heating or telephone costs. The self-employed can claim on their self-assessment form.
Who cannot claim?
You cannot claim it if you choose to work from home. If you need advice on your position and live in Worcestershire, you can ask Evesham accountants such as https://www.randall-payne.co.uk/services/accountancy/evesham-accountants.
What can you claim if you are working from home?
The cost of business calls and other communications related to your work is relevant, and therefore, you can claim for calls from landlines and mobiles. You need to itemise these calls in your claim. The cost of dedicated business phones is allowable for the full cost.
Electricity and gas bills can be claimed, but only for rooms you work in or a dedicated workstation. The cost of power to your computer can also be claimed.
How to claim
The HMRC provides a dedicated portal for claims, but you must send evidence. You can claim £6 per week for the tax year or the amount spent.