Working from home has become the new norm for millions of people across the UK. Whether you’re perched at your kitchen table or have converted a spare room into a proper office, those extra hours at home come with additional costs that many people don’t realise they can claim back. The tax relief working from home scheme exists to help you recover some of these expenses, yet surprisingly, only around half of eligible workers have actually made a claim.
If you’re spending more on heating, electricity, or internet because of your job, you could be missing out on valuable tax relief. The good news? Claiming what you’re entitled to is far simpler than you might think, and it could put anywhere from £62 to £140 back in your pocket each year, depending on your tax bracket.
Understanding Tax Relief Working From Home: What Is It Really?
Tax relief working from home is a government initiative designed to help employees offset the additional household costs they incur when their home becomes their workplace. Think about it: when you’re working from home full-time, your heating runs longer, your electricity usage spikes, and your internet gets a proper workout. These aren’t costs you’d normally face if you were commuting to an office.
HMRC recognises this financial burden and allows eligible workers to claim relief on these extra expenses. The scheme covers things like increased heating and lighting costs, additional insurance, metered water charges, and business-related phone calls. Essentially, if you’re spending more on household bills because you have to work from home, you may be entitled to some financial relief.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t about your employer being generous or offering a perk. This is your legal right to claim back money from HMRC when you’ve incurred genuine additional costs for work purposes. The tax relief working from home scheme has been around for years, but it gained significant attention during the pandemic when millions of people were suddenly required to work remotely.
Who Can Actually Claim Tax Relief Working From Home?
Not everyone who works from home qualifies for this relief, and the eligibility criteria have become stricter since April 2022. Here’s the crucial distinction: you must be required to work from home by your employer, not simply choosing to do so for convenience.
You CAN claim tax relief working from home if:
- Your employer doesn’t have an office or workplace for you to use
- Your job requires you to live so far from your workplace that daily commuting is unreasonable
- Your employer’s premises lack the necessary facilities for you to perform your duties
- You’re genuinely incurring additional household costs as a direct result of working from home
- Your employer hasn’t already reimbursed you for these expenses
You CANNOT claim if:
- You choose to work from home even though your employer provides an office
- Your employment contract offers flexible or hybrid working as an option
- Your employer’s office is sometimes full, but you could go there when space is available
- You’re working from home purely for personal preference or convenience
The key phrase to remember is “required to work from home.” If there’s an office available and you simply prefer working from your sofa, HMRC won’t consider you eligible. Your employer must mandate remote working, either because no office exists or because the nature of your role demands it.
During the pandemic years (2020/21 and 2021/22), the rules were more relaxed, allowing anyone who worked from home even briefly to claim relief. However, those days are gone. For the 2025/26 tax year, HMRC expects solid evidence that remote working is a requirement, not a choice.
What Expenses Can You Actually Claim?
Understanding exactly what expenses qualify for tax relief working from home can help you maximise your claim. The good news is that HMRC recognises several categories of additional household costs.
Eligible Expenses Include:
Heating and Lighting Costs The most obvious expense is the increase in your energy bills. When you’re home all day, the heating stays on longer in winter, and lights are burning throughout the working day. These are legitimate additional costs that qualify for relief.
Electricity Bills Your computer, monitor, printer, desk lamp, and phone charger all draw power. If you’re running multiple devices for eight hours a day, your electricity usage will spike compared to when the house sat empty.
Business Phone Calls If you’re making work-related calls on your personal phone line and paying for those calls yourself, you can claim relief on this expense. However, if you already had unlimited calls, you can’t claim extra since there’s no additional cost.
Metered Water If you’re on a water meter and your usage has increased due to working from home (perhaps making tea throughout the day or using facilities more frequently), this additional cost can be included in your claim.
Internet Costs (with limitations) Here’s where it gets tricky. If you already had a broadband connection before you started working from home, HMRC typically doesn’t allow you to claim for internet costs since the base service would have existed anyway. However, if you’ve had to upgrade to a faster package specifically for work purposes, the additional cost might be claimable.
Professional Memberships and Subscriptions If your job requires you to maintain membership in a professional body or subscribe to trade publications, and you’re paying for these yourself, you can claim tax relief on these costs.
Work Equipment (lasting less than 2 years) Small tools, stationery, or equipment that wears out within two years and is used exclusively for work can be claimed. Think printer ink, paper, pens, and similar consumables.
What You CANNOT Claim:
Rent or Mortgage Payments These costs would exist whether you worked from home or not, so they don’t qualify as additional expenses.
Council Tax Your council tax bill remains the same regardless of whether you’re working from home, making it ineligible for relief.
Broadband (if you already had it) Unless you’ve upgraded specifically for work and can prove the additional cost, your existing broadband package doesn’t count as an extra expense.
Meals and Food You’d be eating lunch whether you were at home or in the office, so food costs aren’t claimable.
Office Furniture Unless you’re self-employed, you typically can’t claim for desks, chairs, or other furniture as an employee. These are considered capital expenses rather than running costs.
Clothing General work attire doesn’t qualify. However, if you require specialist clothing or a uniform for your job, there are separate tax relief provisions for this.
Quick Reference Table: Claimable vs Non-Claimable Expenses
| Expense Type | Claimable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Yes | Proportional increase only |
| Electricity | Yes | Additional usage due to work |
| Business phone calls | Yes | Only if you’re paying for them |
| Metered water | Yes | If usage has increased |
| Internet (existing) | No | Unless upgraded for work |
| Rent/Mortgage | No | Not an additional cost |
| Council Tax | No | Same whether working or not |
| Meals | No | You’d eat anyway |
| Professional subscriptions | Yes | If required for your job |
| Office furniture | Generally No | Capital expense (employees) |
| Printer ink & paper | Yes | Consumables for work use |
How to Claim Tax Relief for Working From Home
The claiming process has become more straightforward over the years, though HMRC has recently tightened up verification requirements to prevent fraudulent claims. You have two main options for calculating and claiming your relief.
Option 1: The Flat Rate Method (Simplest)
The flat rate method is the easiest route for most people. HMRC allows you to claim £6 per week (equivalent to £26 per month or £312 per year) without needing to provide any receipts or detailed calculations. This is a set amount designed to cover typical additional household costs.
The beauty of this method is its simplicity. You don’t need to tot up every electricity bill or calculate what percentage of your heating is work-related. Simply claim the flat rate, and HMRC accepts it without question, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
How much tax relief working from home will you actually receive?
The amount you get back depends on your tax rate:
- Basic rate taxpayers (20%): £1.20 per week = £62.40 per year
- Higher rate taxpayers (40%): £2.40 per week = £124.80 per year
- Additional rate taxpayers (45%): £2.70 per week = £140.40 per year
Remember, this is tax relief, not a direct payment. You’re reducing your taxable income by £312, which then saves you tax at your marginal rate.
Option 2: Claiming Actual Costs (More Complex, Potentially Higher)
If your genuine additional costs exceed £6 per week, you can calculate and claim the exact amount you’ve spent. This method requires significantly more effort and record-keeping but could yield greater relief.
To use this method, you’ll need to:
- Calculate the proportion of your home used for work
- For example, if you have a 6-room house and use one room exclusively as an office, that’s 1/6 of your home
- Factor in the time you use this space for work (e.g., 40 hours per week out of 168 total hours)
- Gather bills and receipts
- Electricity bills showing increased usage
- Heating bills
- Phone bills highlighting business calls
- Internet upgrade costs (if applicable)
- Work out the business proportion
- Apply your calculated percentage to each bill
- For instance, if your office is 1/6 of your home and used 24% of the time, you might claim 4% of your utility costs
- Keep meticulous records
- HMRC may request evidence, so retain all bills and calculations for at least five years
How to Submit Your Claim
For employees who don’t file Self Assessment:
Use HMRC’s online service by logging into your Government Gateway account. The process is straightforward:
- Navigate to the work from home expenses section
- Select the tax year you’re claiming for
- Enter your employer details
- Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria
- Choose either the flat rate or actual costs method
- Submit your claim
From 14 October 2024, you’ll need to provide supporting evidence when making P87 claims by post. This includes a copy of your employment contract showing you’re required to work from home.
For Self Assessment taxpayers:
Include your working from home expenses in the employment expenses section of your tax return. You’ll need to complete this each year as part of your annual return.
For Self-Employed individuals:
The rules differ slightly. You can claim a proportion of your household costs through your business accounts using either:
- The simplified expenses method (flat rates based on hours worked)
- The actual costs method (calculating the business use percentage)
Self-employed people working 25+ hours per month from home can use simplified expenses rates of £10 per month (25-50 hours), £18 per month (51-100 hours), or £26 per month (101+ hours).
Processing Times and Payments
For current tax year claims: HMRC typically adjusts your tax code within 4-6 weeks, meaning you’ll pay less tax each month going forward.
For previous tax years: You’ll usually receive a tax refund by cheque or direct bank transfer within 6-12 weeks of submitting your claim.
How Much Can You Claim Tax Relief for Working From Home?
The amount you can claim for tax relief working from home depends on which calculation method you choose and your personal circumstances.
Standard Flat Rate Allowance
The £6 per week flat rate (£312 annually) is the standard allowance for the 2025/26 tax year. This rate has remained consistent since April 2020 and covers typical additional household costs without requiring detailed evidence.
Your actual tax saving depends on your income tax band:
| Tax Band | Tax Rate | Weekly Saving | Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Rate | 20% | £1.20 | £62.40 |
| Higher Rate | 40% | £2.40 | £124.80 |
| Additional Rate | 45% | £2.70 | £140.40 |
Higher Claims Based on Actual Costs
If your genuine additional costs exceed £312 annually, you can claim more by providing evidence. Some scenarios where actual costs might be higher:
- You work from home five or more days per week
- You run multiple computers or energy-intensive equipment
- You’ve had to upgrade your internet package significantly
- Your work requires you to heat your home during hours you’d normally let it cool
- You make frequent business calls on your personal phone line
For example, if you can demonstrate £800 in additional annual costs through bills and receipts, a basic rate taxpayer would save £160 in tax (20% of £800), compared to just £62.40 with the flat rate.
However, calculating actual costs requires careful apportionment. You can’t simply claim 100% of your bills. You need to work out what proportion relates to work use versus personal use. This typically involves calculating:
- The percentage of your home used for work
- The percentage of time that space is used for business
- The resulting proportion of each bill attributable to work
Multiple Years and Backdated Claims
You can claim tax relief working from home for the current tax year plus the previous four years. This means you could potentially claim up to five years of relief in one go if you’ve never claimed before.
For someone who worked from home throughout the pandemic but never claimed, this could mean:
- 2020/21: up to £62.40 to £140.40
- 2021/22: up to £62.40 to £140.40
- 2022/23: up to £62.40 to £140.40
- 2023/24: up to £62.40 to £140.40
- 2024/25: up to £62.40 to £140.40
Total potential claim: £312 to £702 over five years for a basic rate taxpayer.
Important deadlines:
- Claims for 2020/21 must be submitted by 5 April 2025
- Claims for 2021/22 must be submitted by 5 April 2026
- Each subsequent year follows the same four-year window
Limits and Restrictions
While there’s technically no maximum amount you can claim (if backed by evidence), HMRC will scrutinise larger claims more carefully. Claims significantly exceeding the £312 flat rate will require:
- Detailed calculations showing your methodology
- Original bills and receipts
- Evidence of your working arrangements
- A clear audit trail
It’s also worth noting that you cannot claim relief if:
- Your employer already reimburses your costs
- Your employer provides you with a tax-free home working allowance covering these expenses
- The expenses are for items with both work and personal use (unless you can clearly separate the work element)
Are HMRC Giving Tax Refunds for Working From Home?
Yes, HMRC does issue tax refunds for working from home, but the circumstances and amounts depend on when you worked from home and whether you’ve previously claimed relief.
Refunds for Previous Tax Years
If you worked from home during the 2020/21 or 2021/22 tax years (the pandemic period) and never claimed relief, you’re likely entitled to a refund. During those years, eligibility rules were relaxed, allowing anyone who worked from home even for a single day to claim the full year’s allowance.
HMRC has processed millions of claims since introducing the online portal for working from home relief. However, this represents only a fraction of those eligible, suggesting many people still haven’t claimed what they’re owed.
How refunds are processed:
For historical claims (previous tax years), HMRC will calculate any overpaid tax and issue a refund, typically through:
- A cheque sent to your registered address
- Direct bank transfer if you’ve provided your details
- Adjustment to your next Self Assessment balance
The refund process usually takes between 6 to 12 weeks from the date you submit your claim. HMRC has to verify your eligibility, check your employment history for the relevant years, and calculate the exact amount owed before issuing payment.
Tax Code Adjustments for Current Year Claims
If you’re claiming relief for the current tax year (2025/26), HMRC typically won’t send you a refund. Instead, they’ll adjust your tax code to reduce the amount of tax you pay each month going forward.
Your new tax code will reflect the additional £312 allowance, effectively spreading your tax saving across the remaining months of the tax year. This means more money in each payslip rather than a lump sum refund.
For example, if you claim in September 2025 with six months remaining in the tax year, a basic rate taxpayer would see roughly an extra £10.40 per month in their take-home pay (£62.40 divided by 6 months).
Evidence Requirements for Refunds
Since October 2024, HMRC has tightened evidence requirements for P87 claims to combat fraudulent applications. To receive a refund, you’ll now need to provide:
- Proof of employment during the claim period
- Evidence that you were required to work from home (employment contract or letter from employer)
- Details of any reimbursements your employer has already provided
- For actual cost claims: receipts, bills, and detailed calculations
This means you can’t simply submit a claim and expect an automatic refund. HMRC will verify your eligibility before processing any payment, which is why maintaining good records is crucial.
Checking If You’ve Already Claimed
Before submitting a claim, it’s worth checking whether you’ve already received working from home relief. You can verify this by:
- Logging into your Personal Tax Account and checking your tax code
- Looking at your annual tax summaries from previous years
- Reviewing any HMRC correspondence about changes to your tax code
- Checking with your employer if they’ve claimed on your behalf
If you’ve already claimed, submitting another claim for the same period will simply result in rejection. HMRC’s systems flag duplicate claims, and you’ll receive a letter explaining that relief has already been granted.
What If Your Claim Is Rejected?
HMRC may reject your claim if:
- You don’t meet the eligibility criteria
- You’ve already claimed for that period
- Your employer has already covered your costs
- You’ve provided insufficient evidence
- Your working from home arrangement was voluntary rather than required
If your claim is rejected and you believe this is incorrect, you can:
- Contact HMRC to discuss the decision
- Provide additional evidence supporting your eligibility
- Appeal the decision through the formal appeals process
Realistic Expectations
While HMRC does issue tax refunds for working from home, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the amounts involved. For most people claiming the flat rate for one or two years, refunds will range from £62 to £280. While this is valuable money, it’s not the thousands that some tax refund companies might imply in their advertising.
Be particularly wary of third-party companies offering to claim on your behalf in exchange for a commission. These firms often take a significant percentage of your refund (sometimes 30-50%) for doing something you can easily do yourself for free through HMRC’s online portal.
How Much Is the HMRC Allowance for Use of Home as Office?
The HMRC allowance for use of home as office has remained at £6 per week since April 2020. This translates to:
- £26 per month
- £312 per year
This is the standard flat rate allowance that applies across all sectors and job types for employed individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. It’s designed to cover typical additional household costs without requiring taxpayers to maintain detailed records or submit receipts.
Historical Context of the Allowance
The working from home allowance has evolved over time:
- Pre-2006: No benchmark existed; HMRC handled claims on a case-by-case basis
- 2006: HMRC established £3 per week as the standard rate
- Later years: Increased to £4 per week
- April 2020: Raised to £6 per week at the start of the pandemic
- 2025/26: Remains at £6 per week
Despite rising energy costs and inflation over recent years, HMRC has not increased the weekly rate beyond £6. Many contractors and accountants anticipate a future increase given the surge in household energy bills, but no official announcement has been made.
How the Allowance Works for Different Employment Types
For Employees (PAYE): The £6 per week allowance provides tax relief, not a direct payment. The actual benefit depends on your tax bracket as shown earlier. This relief reduces your taxable income by £312, saving you tax at your marginal rate.
For Self-Employed Individuals: Self-employed people use a different calculation called “simplified expenses.” Rather than the fixed £6 per week, they claim based on hours worked from home:
- 25-50 hours per month: £10 per month (£120 per year)
- 51-100 hours per month: £18 per month (£216 per year)
- 100+ hours per month: £26 per month (£312 per year)
These rates differ slightly from the employee flat rate but serve the same purpose: simplifying claims without requiring detailed evidence.
For Limited Company Directors: Directors of limited companies can claim the use of home as office allowance through their company. The company can reimburse the director for business use of their home without creating a tax liability, provided:
- The expenses are wholly and exclusively for business purposes
- Private use is insignificant
- Proper records are maintained
Directors can either:
- Claim the flat rate through their personal tax relief
- Have their company reimburse actual costs (requires detailed apportionment and documentation)
Employer Reimbursements and the Allowance
Some employers choose to pay their employees a tax-free working from home allowance of up to £6 per week. When employers pay this amount, it’s not taxable, and employees cannot also claim tax relief from HMRC for the same expenses. This is an important distinction:
- If your employer pays the full £6 per week: You cannot claim from HMRC
- If your employer pays less (e.g., £4 per week): You can claim relief on the remaining £2 per week
- If your employer pays nothing: You can claim the full £6 per week relief
Always check whether your employer is already providing this allowance before submitting a claim to HMRC. Double-claiming will result in your HMRC claim being rejected, and you may need to repay any incorrectly claimed relief.
Future Changes to the Allowance
While the £6 per week rate has been stable since 2020, there’s ongoing discussion about potential changes. Some considerations include:
- Energy price increases: Household energy costs have risen significantly, potentially justifying an increase
- Inflation: General inflation means the real value of £6 per week has decreased
- Tighter eligibility: Rather than increasing the rate, HMRC has chosen to enforce stricter eligibility rules
- Shift away from flat rate: Some have suggested moving entirely to an actual costs model, though this would significantly increase administrative burden
For now, the £312 annual allowance remains the standard for the 2025/26 tax year. Anyone working from home should monitor HMRC announcements for potential updates, particularly around budget announcements.
Comparing to Other Countries
It’s worth noting that the UK’s working from home tax relief is relatively modest compared to some other nations:
- United States: Allowed significant home office deductions (though rules have tightened)
- Canada: Offers both flat rate and detailed methods with higher potential claims
- Australia: Provides multiple calculation methods with potentially higher benefits
The UK’s approach prioritises simplicity and administrative ease over maximising individual claims, which explains the relatively low flat rate amount.
What Is the Most Overlooked Tax Break?
When it comes to working from home tax relief and general tax breaks in the UK, several valuable deductions slip under the radar each year. Understanding these can significantly reduce your tax bill beyond just the home office allowance.
Working From Home Relief Itself
Surprisingly, the most commonly overlooked tax break related to working from home is the basic £312 annual allowance itself. Despite widespread media coverage during the pandemic, HMRC reports that millions of eligible workers have never claimed this relief.
Why do people miss it?
- Many assume their employer has claimed it on their behalf (often not the case)
- The process seems more complicated than it actually is
- People don’t realise they can backdate claims for up to four years
- Workers incorrectly think they don’t qualify because they sometimes go to an office
If you worked from home at all during 2020/21 or 2021/22, you can still claim even if you’re now back in the office full-time. The deadline for 2020/21 claims is 5 April 2025, so time is running out for those earliest pandemic refunds.
Other Frequently Overlooked Tax Breaks
1. Marriage Allowance
Married couples and civil partners where one partner earns less than the personal allowance (£12,570) can transfer 10% of their allowance to their spouse, saving up to £252 per year. This straightforward relief is claimed by fewer than half of eligible couples, representing millions in unclaimed tax relief annually.
2. Professional Fees and Subscriptions
If your job requires you to maintain membership in a professional body, union, or trade organisation, you can claim tax relief on these fees. Many people pay these costs without realising they’re tax-deductible. Common examples include:
- Nursing and Midwifery Council fees
- Law Society subscriptions
- Engineering institution memberships
- Teaching union fees
- Medical registration with the GMC
The tax saving applies to the subscription cost at your marginal rate, so higher rate taxpayers save 40% of the fee.
3. Mileage Allowance Payments
Employees who use their personal vehicles for business travel (not commuting) can claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25p thereafter. If your employer reimburses you at a lower rate, you can claim tax relief on the difference.
For example, if your employer pays 20p per mile and you drive 5,000 business miles, you’re missing out on 25p per mile (£1,250 total), which at basic rate would save you £250 in tax.
4. Uniform and Work Clothing Tax Relief
If you’re required to wear a uniform or specialist clothing for work, you can claim a flat rate tax relief depending on your industry. Some professions have standard amounts agreed with HMRC:
- Healthcare workers: £125 per year
- Engineers: £120 per year
- Construction workers: £60 to £140 per year
- Laboratory staff: £80 per year
This relief often goes unclaimed because people don’t know it exists or think they must provide receipts (flat rate claims don’t require receipts).
5. Pension Contributions
While not exactly “overlooked,” many people don’t maximise their pension contributions to take full advantage of tax relief. Contributions receive relief at your marginal rate, and higher rate taxpayers can claim additional relief through Self Assessment.
For every £100 you contribute, basic rate taxpayers effectively pay £80 (with £20 added automatically), while higher rate taxpayers can claim back another £20, making the effective cost £60.
6. Gift Aid on Charitable Donations
Gift Aid allows charities to reclaim tax on your donations, and if you’re a higher or additional rate taxpayer, you can claim back the difference between the basic rate and your marginal rate. Many higher rate taxpayers miss this additional refund.
7. Trading and Property Allowances
If you have side income from trading or property (such as renting out a room), you can earn up to £1,000 tax-free under the trading allowance and property allowance. Many people don’t use these allowances effectively or claim expenses when the allowance would be more beneficial.
8. Rent-a-Room Relief
You can earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from letting out a room in your main home. This is a completely tax-free allowance that many homeowners don’t utilise, yet it could provide substantial additional income without increasing your tax bill.
9. Capital Losses
If you’ve made losses on investments, these can offset gains and reduce Capital Gains Tax. Many investors forget to report losses, losing out on the opportunity to reduce future tax bills. Losses can be carried forward indefinitely, so even historic losses have value.
10. Working From Home Equipment
Beyond the flat rate allowance, employees can claim tax relief on work equipment costing under £500 that’s used exclusively for work and will last less than two years. This includes items like:
- Desk lamps
- Computer accessories
- Printer supplies
- Stationery
How to Avoid Missing These Tax Breaks
Keep Good Records The single biggest reason people miss tax breaks is poor record-keeping. Maintain files (physical or digital) containing:
- Receipts for work expenses
- Mileage logs for business travel
- Professional subscription renewal notices
- Evidence of your employment terms
Review Annually Set a calendar reminder before each tax year end (5 April) to review potential claims. Look through your expenses, check your working arrangements, and identify any new tax breaks you might qualify for.
Use HMRC’s Tools HMRC provides several online calculators and checking tools that can identify reliefs you’re entitled to. The tax checker tool can flag potential claims you’ve missed.
Consider Professional Advice If you have multiple income sources, investment income, or complex working arrangements, a tax adviser can identify reliefs you might otherwise miss. The cost of advice often pays for itself many times over through identified savings.
Stay Informed Tax rules change regularly, and new reliefs emerge. Following reputable UK tax advice sources can alert you to new opportunities. HMRC’s newsletters and updates provide official information about changes affecting taxpayers.
The True Cost of Overlooking Tax Breaks
When you consider the cumulative effect of missing multiple tax breaks over several years, the financial impact can be substantial:
- Working from home relief (4 years backdated): up to £280
- Marriage allowance (4 years): up to £1,008
- Professional fees (£200 annually × 4 years at 20%): £160
- Mileage claims (£500 difference annually × 4 years at 20%): £400
- Uniform allowance (£125 annually × 4 years at 20%): £100
Total potential missed relief: £1,948
This example demonstrates why it’s worth spending a few hours understanding your entitlements and submitting claims. The money is already yours; you just need to claim it back from HMRC.
Making the Most of Your Tax Relief Working From Home
Claiming tax relief working from home doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does require you to be proactive. HMRC won’t automatically apply relief; you need to take action and submit a claim.
Key Takeaways
- Check your eligibility carefully – You must be required to work from home, not choosing to do so
- Claim promptly – Don’t let valuable relief expire by missing deadlines
- Choose the right method – Flat rate for simplicity, actual costs if your expenses are significantly higher
- Keep records – Even if using the flat rate, maintain evidence of your working arrangements
- Don’t double-claim – Check whether your employer already provides an allowance
- Look beyond home working – Explore other overlooked tax breaks you might qualify for
- Backdate if eligible – You can claim for previous years up to the four-year limit
- Claim directly with HMRC – Avoid third-party firms that take commissions on your refund
Final Thoughts
Working from home has transformed from a pandemic necessity to a permanent feature of modern work life for many people. If you’re incurring genuine additional costs because your employer requires you to work remotely, you deserve to claim back the tax relief you’re entitled to.
The process is straightforward, the potential savings are meaningful, and with just a few minutes of your time, you could reclaim hundreds of pounds you’ve already paid in tax. Whether you’re claiming the simple £6 per week flat rate or calculating actual costs, every pound recovered is worth having.
Don’t let another tax year pass without claiming what’s rightfully yours. Check your eligibility today, gather the necessary information, and submit your claim through HMRC’s official portal. Your bank account will thank you.
Read also: Top 20 Legit Work from Home Jobs in the UK for 2026
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about tax relief for working from home in the UK as of December 2025. Tax rules can change, and individual circumstances vary. For specific advice tailored to your situation, consult a qualified tax professional or contact HMRC directly.
