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Warning for nurses who claim tax refunds

Unscrupulous repayment agents may take half your refund in fees, says HMRC in advice for nurses to carefully check before signing up
A man sitting at a desk with several papers and making notes

Unscrupulous repayment agents may take half your refund in fees, says HMRC in advice for nurses to carefully check before signing up

A man sitting at a desk with several papers and making notes
Picture: iStock

Nurses claiming tax refunds are being warned to be vigilant of high fees that some unscrupulous repayment agents can charge.

Eligible healthcare professionals are able to claim tax relief on certain work-related expenses – and in the face of soaring living costs, many households will be feeling the pinch and looking to make every penny count.

But it is important for nurses to be aware of dubious practices if using third-party companies – known as repayment agents – to make their claims.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) says some agents may charge fees of up to 50% of the refund, making it vital for nurses to look into the company and be aware of the specific terms and conditions involved before signing up.

A stone building with the name HMRC at the entrance
Picture: iStock

Some have faced issues or felt misled when using agents to claim refunds, says HMRC

An HMRC a spokesperson said: ‘Customers should check who they are dealing with before they hand over personal information, and carefully read the repayment agent’s terms and conditions to understand what they’re signing up for, the fees they’ll pay, and the legal agreement they’re signing.’

The HMRC said the government was aware that some taxpayers had faced issues or felt misled when using agents who specialise in claiming tax refunds.

Director general for customer strategy and tax design Jonathan Athow said: ‘We want to make sure taxpayers receive their full tax claims – putting 100% of the money they are due into their pockets – and not be taken in by the unscrupulous practices of some repayment agents.’

The tax authority recently launched a consultation to look at ways to better protect nurses and other taxpayers who use repayment agents for their rebates. A spokesperson said feedback from the consultation could potentially help in designing future policy around tax relief.

What you can claim for and what to check

What you might be able to claim tax refunds for:

  • Uniforms and work clothing – Tax rebates can be claimed if nurses wash their uniforms at home, but only if employers do not provide laundering facilities at work
  • Buying equipment (excluding PPE)
  • Professional fees and subscriptions
  • Using your own vehicle for work travel (this excludes journeys between home and work)
  • Working from home

Things to remember when claiming tax relief:

  • Check your eligibility on the GOV.UK website
  • When you are ready to make a claim, the quickest and easiest way to do so is directly with HMRC – and you will keep all the money you are due
  • If you decide to use a repayment agent, do some research and check the terms of the service, plus what fees you will be charged, to avoid being caught out

See: Claim Income Tax relief for your employment expenses (HMRC)


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