I belong to the RCM, am I entitled to any tax relief?
As a midwife, your subscription fees to the Royal College of Midwives should just be the start of your Healthcare Worker tax rebate claim.
It’s reported that over 70% of RCM members don’t reclaim the tax relief they are owed on their annual subscription fees. If you don’t make a claim you’ll miss out on money you are owed from previous tax years and the money you could save in the future as well.
What else can RCM members claim for?
Other expenses members of the RCM can claim include:
- Membership fees into most other professional bodies or trade union, like UNISON.
- Washing of your own uniform if you are not provided facilities by your employer.
- Shoes and tights worth £125 per tax year.
- Using your own car for work purposes if you travel to temporary workplaces like clients in the community.
How do I make an RCM tax relief claim?
A claim for RCM fees and other costs needs to be made either by post or online with HMRC.
It’s a simple process that can be done either online or through the mail via HMRC. If you’ve applied before, you may even be able to do it over the phone by calling HMRC directly.
To get your RCM tax refund, you have the choice of applying online or sending your application by mail to the tax office.
The process for claiming tax relief on your RCM membership fee depends on whether or not you complete a self assessment tax return in the tax year of your claim.
If you don’t need to file a tax return you can use form P87 from HMRC to submit their RCM claim.
RCM claim by P87: This form can be filled out electronically or downloaded and sent by mail. It’s worth noting that one P87 form covers up to four consecutive years, making it convenient for submitting multiple years’ worth of rebate claims.
Once you’ve applied expect a response and any applicable refund from HMRC within approximately 8-12 weeks.
The refund will usually be deposited into the bank account specified on your P87 form or sent as a cheque by mail if requested.
If you need any help HMRC is ready to offer direct assistance and you should be able to receive updates through your HMRC personal tax account.
RCM claim by self assessment: For individuals who have £2500 or more in employment expenses or have other reasons (like self employment) they will need to submit an SA tax return.
It is essential for those who do complete a tax return to include the value of their RCN membership fee along with other professional fees or allowances.
RCM tax rebate P800 calculation
When claiming a tax rebate HMRC will send you a P800 tax calculation letter for each tax year of your claim.
This letter will contain detailed information on how HMRC has calculated your RCM tax refund.
It’s important to carefully review each calculation and tell HMRC if any errors are detected.
RCM tax rebate and your tax code
Once the P87 form or the tax return is processed by HMRC expect changes in your tax code.
Your tax code will be updated by incorporating the annual value of your RCM membership fee, as well as any other eligible professional fees and reliefs.
This adjustment ensures that you receive appropriate taxation in future years without having to make a claim every year.
In the event that you cease making payments for your RCN membership or no longer receive the allowances included in your existing tax code you should notify HMRC. This will enable them to make any necessary adjustments to your tax code.
