HMRC reveal top reasons for fraudulent work expenses

Glasgow Times

2 days ago

It's easy to accidentally claim back for something that isn't allowed. Take a look at the most common reasons for invalid expense claims. You can't claim for any expenses that your employer has already reimbursed.
HMRC posted on X: "Don't get caught out by invalid working from home expense claims. Use our free eligibility checker before making any claims, even if you have an agent."
Don't get caught out by invalid working from home expense claims. ❌
Use our free eligibility checker before making any claims, even if you have an agent. ✅
Click the link below to learn more. 👇https://t.co/MJOdMHDOwU pic.twitter.com/36YQhATBSs — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) May 29, 2025
HMRC says you cannot claim the following
Travel and overnight expenses if travelling or commuting to and from your normal place of work
Lunch costs when you are travelling to your normal workplace - you can only claim expenses for food and drink when travelling to a temporary place of work
Food you bring from home when travelling to a temporary workplace, you can only claim the cost of food you paid for during your time away
Working from home costs when you have an office base but choose not to work there. If your employment contract lets you work from home some or all of the time, for example as part of flexible working arrangements, then you won't be eligible for this relief
Uniform, work clothing and tools that have already been provided by an employer can't be claimed - this includes choosing to purchase 'better quality' alternatives to those provided by your employer
Uniform washing costs when your employer has a laundry facility that you choose not to use, such as by washing your uniform at home instead
Workwear that doesn't include a visible logo, for example, if your employer advises you to wear all black clothing this is not an eligible expense
Union fees, unlike certain professional membership fees, aren't an allowable expense
Any work expenses that are already covered by your employer
Five things to keep in mind before claiming
Have you got evidence to back up your expense claim? From 14 October 2024, we will require customers who want to claim work expenses to provide supporting evidence to prove their eligibility before we progress the claim. Tax relief on expenses won't necessarily lead to a repayment. Some expenses are automatically coded through to the following year – check your tax code is still correct. Expenses must be completely work-related and necessary for you to do your job. You can't claim for any expenses that your employer has already reimbursed. If you had an eligible claim in a previous job but the terms are different in a new job, then you may have incorrect items in your tax code. If you pay tax through 'pay as you earn', you're unlikely to need to claim expenses through Self Assessment.
Recommended reading:
How to make a claim from HMRC
If you think you are on the wrong tax code, you can contact HMRC on 0300 200 330 or speak to an advisor online via their live chat service.
HMRC will contact your employer to correct your tax code and you will get any money you overpaid in tax in your next payslip.
You can also claim back up to four additional years if you have been overpaying for some time.