Are you one of the’s nearly 10,000 members of British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies?
Your field of expertise intertwines with many others in the care and education sectors, leading to a very diverse range of members; GPs, psychiatrists, social workers, teachers, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, nurses, counsellors, educational psychologists, speech therapists, researchers and academics.
What BABCP Members can claim a tax rebate for?
As a professional in any of these jobs, you will incur some sort of work related expense, including your BABCP membership fee.
Each case is individual, but here are just a few of the most common claims a BABCP member can claim:
Trade Union and Professional body fees
You may be required to belong to more than one professional body and many of them, like BABCP, have negotiated with HMRC to allow members to reclaim the tax on this unavoidable cost. Likewise, many Trade Unions have a similar pact with the Tax Office, you just need to check with whichever one you belong to.
Work travel in your own vehicle
Not the daily commute I’m afraid! But any journeys that you make between temporary places of work in your own vehicle are part of a legitimate claim. For example, as a CBT counsellor you may work in several different surgeries or centres in one week. You usually need a log of your journeys to make a successful claim.
Buying and laundering work uniforms
If you are required to buy your own work uniform then you can claim the tax back. It is also perfectly legitimate to claim the cost of laundering your uniform at home if no facilities are provided by your employer.
Tools and Equipment
No, not just hammers and chisels! This also includes items such as laptops or a desk to use for working at home. Keep your receipts for this one.
Working from home
This has a very specific definition which involves ‘working from home’ being a requirement of your job, not just a personal choice. If it is part of your employment, it’s definitely worth pursuing as part of your tax rebate claim.
The BABCP
Since its foundation in 1972, the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies has become the leading UK organisation for all professionals involved in the theory and practice of behavioural and cognitive psychotherapies. It is currently the only body that provides accreditation for CBT therapists and maintains a register of those who are qualified.
How do I claim a BABCP tax rebate?
In general you can make your claim on a form P87 which is then sent to HMRC for processing.
If you complete a self assessment tax return you should include your work related expenses on your tax return.
Your current employer is not involved and the number of employers you have worked for has no bearing on your claim. A claim can be backdated for four tax years and you will continue to make tax savings in the future with your subsequently altered tax code.
Remember – HMRC cannot automatically refund your money, you have to make an official claim.
