Communication Workers Union Tax Relief

Are you one of the 199,443 members of the Communication Workers Union?

You may be entitled to a tax rebate on some of the costs you incur in doing your job.

Can I claim a tax rebate for CWU Union fees?

The answer is no because there is not currently an agreement between HMRC and CWU to allow for tax relief on your Union fees. That doesn’t mean there won’t be one in the future and we will keep you informed.

Tax rebates for CWU members

But there are plenty of other tax rebates that you may be able to claim as a member of the CWU.

As the largest UK Union for the communications industry, your members have an impressive array of skills in mechanics, engineering, computing, financial and clerical, manual, call centre and sales.

As a country, we could not access the latest technology, rely on a solid communications foundation or even post a letter without you! So, whether you work for Virgin media or Royal Mail group, EE and Santander or Capita, or any of the other companies inbetween, we will get you the tax relief you are entitled to.

Here are some of the most common tax reliefs claimed for by CWU members:

Buying tools, uniform or protective clothing for work.

If they are essential to your job, not provided by your employer and you are not reimbursed for their cost then you will be entitled to 15-20% of their total price. You will need receipts as evidence.

Washing your work uniform.

If you do not have any laundry service provided by your employer then you can claim the cost of washing your uniform at home.

Fees for professional bodies, unions and some journal subscriptions.

At the moment the CWU does not have an agreement with the tax office, but many organisations do so it’s worth checking.

Using a private vehicle for work travel.

This does not mean your daily commute to and from a permanent workplace. But if you have to travel between sites, or have a ‘temporary’ workplace, then you are probably entitled to mileage payments.