As hybrid and remote working become part of everyday life, many people are wondering whether they can claim any tax back for the extra costs of working from home — things like heating, electricity, or business calls.
The answer? You might be able to — but only under certain conditions.
Let’s break down what counts, what doesn’t, and how to make a claim if you’re eligible.
Who can claim working from home tax relief?
You may be able to claim if:
- You’re required to work from home (not just choosing to).
- Your employer doesn’t have an office, or you live too far away to reasonably travel there.
- You’re using your own money for work-related costs.
- You’re not being fully reimbursed for those costs by your employer.
It doesn’t matter if you work full-time or part-time from home — what matters is that working remotely is necessary for your job, not optional.
Who can’t claim?
You won’t qualify for relief if:
- You simply prefer working from home.
- Your contract allows you to choose home or office working.
- You’re working remotely because the office is full.
- Your employer already covers all your costs.
This means most hybrid workers and flexible roles won’t be eligible under current HMRC rules.
What can you actually claim for?
You can claim tax relief on additional household costs that relate specifically to your work. For example:
- Business-related phone calls
- Increased gas and electricity use (heating, lighting)
- Metered water (if applicable)
You can’t claim for:
- Rent or broadband (unless you didn’t have internet before)
- Items used for both work and personal reasons
- Furniture or equipment unless provided by your employer
How much is it worth?
You have two options:
- Flat rate: Claim £6 per week (no evidence required).
- Actual costs: Claim the specific extra amount you’ve spent (you’ll need receipts and bills).
The tax relief depends on your tax band:
- Basic rate (20%): £1.20 per week
- Higher rate (40%): £2.40 per week
It’s not huge, but it adds up over a tax year — and you can claim for up to 4 previous tax years if eligible.
How to make a claim
- If you do a Self Assessment tax return, claim there.
- If not, use HMRC’s online service to submit your claim.
- For previous years, HMRC may adjust your tax code or issue a refund.
You’ll need to provide evidence if:
- You’re claiming actual costs (not the flat rate), or
- You’re claiming £6/week for the 2022–23 tax year or later.
A few watchouts
- You must have paid tax in the year you’re claiming for.
- Your tax relief can’t be more than the tax you’ve paid.
- If you estimated expenses and they change later, you must update HMRC.
Final thoughts
Claiming tax relief while working from home isn’t as generous or as automatic as it once was during the pandemic. But if your job genuinely requires you to work remotely, it’s worth checking whether you qualify — especially for previous tax years.
Need help navigating what you can claim and how to do it right?
📩 Get in touch — we can help make sense of it.
