MORE than 54,800 claims from customers using a new online portal which allows workers to claim tax relief for working at home have been received by

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The online portal, which was launched on October 1, is simple to use and has been set up to process tax relief on additional expenses for employed workers who have been told to work from home by their employer to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Since April 6 employers have been able to pay employees up to £6 a week tax-free to cover additional costs if they have had to work from home. Employees who have not received the working from home expenses payment direct from their employer can apply to receive the tax relief from HMRC.

Eligible taxpayers can claim tax relief based on the rate at which they pay tax. For example, if an employed worker pays the 20 per cent basic rate of tax and claims tax relief on £6 a week, they would receive £1.20 a week in tax relief (20 per cent of £6 a week) towards the cost of their household bills. Higher rate taxpayers would therefore receive £2.40 a week (40 per cent of £6 a week).

Over the course of the year, this could mean taxpayers can reduce the tax they pay by £62.40 or £124.80 respectively.

HMRC is also reminding employed workers, for example healthcare workers and care home staff, that they can also claim tax relief on work-related expenses, including cleaning their work uniforms.

The extra money can help thousands of critical workers whose efforts are helping save lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

Employees who clean, replace or repair uniform or tools, or pay fees and subscriptions for their work can apply online directly to HMRC and see instantly if they are eligible for tax relief on work expenses.

In 2018 to 2019, more than 500,000 customers (66 per cent of total expense claims) applied for the tax relief using an agent rather than directly from HMRC and will have had to pay fees or commission.

But those who are paid through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) can claim directly to HMRC and keep all of the money which they are entitled to.

HMRC is encouraging customers claiming tax relief for working from home to apply directly via: https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/working-at-home. Agents will not be able to use the new service to apply for the relief on a customer’s behalf. This means customers will receive 100 per cent of the tax relief that is due.