HMRC shares one thing people working from home should 'always check'

HMRC has issued a stern warning to anyone who works from home as they may be targeted by people and companies online. These ads may make empty promises that they can get you a tax refund. The tax authority took to X saying: “Don't get caught out by ads promising quick tax refunds for working from home.

Always check if you're eligible before making a claim. Avoid agent fees by claiming directly with HMRC.” These agents may offer to make work expenses claims for you and then get paid through a commission.



However, if you aren’t actually eligible this will still make you liable for the claims made on your behalf. And if you are eligible you can claim these expenses yourself without paying any service fees. HMRC also offers a checker tool you can use to see if you’re eligible and for what expenses.

One of the most common reasons an expense claim for people working from home will be invalid is that the claimant is choosing to work from home. Essentially, if you have an office base and your employment contract lets you work at home instead you won’t be eligible for this tax relief. If you do decide to use a tax company or agent to sort this claim for you, HMRC emphasised learning the warning signs of bad tax advice.

It noted: “If someone promises easy money and it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. “Handing over your personal information could mean you end up having to pay back the full amount of any invalid claim made on your behalf, including any commission an agent has already taken. Before using a tax refund company or tax agent for rebates, take your time and do some research.

” When choosing a tax agent, HMRC recommended checking a few things first to ensure they are legitimate such as reviews from other customers and accreditations from professional bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales or Chartered Institute of Taxation. Double check any fine print on disclaimers and contracts before you sign and never sign a blank tax return. It also highlighted: “An agent should always ask for receipts and should never ask you to share your Government Gateway ID.

HMRC will never endorse an agent.”.