More than 54,800 taxpayers claim relief for working from home

HMRC has received more than 54 800 claims from taxpayers using a new online portal which allows workers to claim tax relief for working at home.

Launched on 1 October the online portal 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.

From 6 April 2020 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.

When the application has been approved the portal will adjust the individual’s tax code for the 2020-21 tax year.

Taxpayers who are in self assessment have to claim...