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HMRC issues 'don't get caught out' warning to those working from home
Reach Daily Express | February 25, 2026 10:39 AM CST

Brits who work from home have been issued a warning by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The Government body told people "don't get caught out".

In a post made to social media platform X, HMRC shared some advice about claiming expenses. If you work from home you can claim tax relief for certain costs.

This only applies to things to do with your work, such as business phone calls, and gas and electricity for your work area. You can claim for this tax year and the four previous tax years, meaning you might be owed some money.

You can either claim tax relief on £6 a week or the exact amount you've spent. You'll get tax relief based on the rate at which you pay tax, which means if you pay the 20% basic rate of tax and claim tax relief on £6 a week, you would get £1.20 per week.

However, it's important to fully understand the system before claiming. On X, HMRC said: "Thinking of claiming working from home expenses?

"Take a closer look and check if you're eligible before making a claim directly with HMRC. Find out more about what to watch out for."

On GOV.UK it warned that some companies might offer to make claims for you in order to make a commission. It said: "Don't get caught out by online adverts and tax refund companies who offer to make work expense claims for you so they can claim a commission.

"If it turns out you aren't eligible to claim, you're still responsible for any claims made on your behalf." If you are eligible, you should claim directly with HMRC to keep 100% of the money you're owed.

It is not just people working from home who can claim. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you might be able to claim tax relief for the following types of work expenses:

  • Working from home
  • Uniforms, work clothing and tools
  • Vehicles you use for work
  • Professional fees and subscriptions
  • Travel, subsistence, and overnight expenses
  • Buying other equipment
Claim directly with HMRC

GOV.UK says: "It's fast, free and simple to claim work expenses with us directly via GOV.UK. You won't have to pay any agent fees or commission if you do it yourself.

"For most expense claims, you will need to provide evidence to support your claim. The evidence will vary depending on the expense type you are claiming.

"It's quick and easy to check what evidence is required using our eligibility checker page, and you can submit your claim and evidence online or through the post."

Things to keep in mind before claiming:

  • Have you got evidence to back up your expense claim? Customers who want to claim work expenses may be asked 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
  • 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 your expenses are under £2,500 and you're completing Self Assessment, you can save time by using HMRC's quick digital claim service

For more information, see the Government website here.

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