HMRC to reject expenses claims by letter from May 2022
Currently, there are a number of ways that employment expenses can be claimed. However, one option is being scrapped from 6 May 2022. What do employees need to know?

Employees who are in self-assessment generally claim employment expenses through their tax return. This may in turn lead to an adjustment of the PAYE code for subsequent years, but the claim still needs to be made on the return to ensure the tax deducted reconciles to the eventual liability. For those not in self-assessment, a claim can be made via their personal tax account, by phone, or by completion of a Form P87.
Currently, it's also possible to make a claim in writing, by using a letter to detail the expenses. This often happens where there are multiple years to claim for, or where a family member is helping another with their tax affairs. However, from 6 May this will no longer be possible, and HMRC will reject such claims. Instead, the P87 (which can be downloaded here) must be used. The other options, e.g. claiming via the personal tax account, will remain available.
The P87 form itself has been modified, and it will now be possible to claim for multiple years on a single form.
Related Topics
-
How much will you save with reduced scale charges?
HMRC has reduced the VAT fuel scale charge by nearly 6% for company-provided cars. When does the new reduced rate take effect and how do you make the calculations?
-
Avoid the trading allowance trap
In late 2024 you became self-employed. You’re now completing your tax return for 2024/25 and will claim the trading allowance instead of a tax deduction for business expenses. Could this impact your NI record and state pension entitlement?
-
Time off for fertility treatment?
A survey by Fertility Matters at Work has revealed that more than one-third of employees undergoing fertility treatment have resigned or are considering resigning because of the physical and emotional toll. Is there a right to time off for fertility treatment?