Can I claim tax back on tools bought for work?

Yes, you can claim the tax back on tools you have bought for work.

But why? Because they are considered an essential work expense by HMRC. This means that the Tax Office recognises that you need these tools in order to do your job and that you are having to pay for them out of your own pocket.

The rules apply to everyone including mechanics that are employed by a garage, franchised dealership, fast fit centre and those that are self employed. You are eligible as a part time or full time PAYE worker, as long as you are paying income tax for the year in which you are claiming a tax rebate.

It doesn’t matter if you have worked for different employers, or currently work for more than one employer, you can still make a tool tax back claim for the tools you’ve bought for work.

What tools can I claim tax back for?

You can claim for “repairing or replacing small tools you need to do your job” and for larger purchases, like toolboxes. There are separate procedures to follow for each type of claim.

Unfortunately, the tax code tool tax allowance that HMRC allows usually does not cover the actual cost of buying tools or pieces of equipment.

The good news is you can claim for the actual value of what you have bought as long as you have the evidence to prove it by making a claim for capital allowances.

It’s worth noting that if your employer reimburses you for any of your purchases, you cannot include them in your claim.

Can I claim for anything else with my tool tax back claim?

As an extra bonus you can claim more tax back for expenses like washing and buying your own protective clothing, the interest paid on any finance agreements (relating to your tools) and for business mileage.

You know you spend at least a portion of your hard earned wages on tools, equipment and protective clothing. And many mechanics and other trades people don’t even know that you can claim tax back for the tools you buy for work.

By the time you add up all the replacement tools, never mind any bigger purchases, that you buy each financial year, it really is important to make the most of the work expenses tax allowances that are available to you.