Tax Relief For Junior Doctors | Doctor Tax Rebates

As a junior doctor, there are several things you can do to claim back tax from HMRC. Every time you spend money as an essential part of doing your job, you could be entitled to a tax rebate. The PAYE system does a pretty good job generally, but it can be a pretty blunt tool. For instance, it doesn't always cope well when you pay to travel for your job, or have other work-related costs. As a result, people are often confused about what doctors can claim tax back on. In turn, that means a lot a lot of people end up paying too much tax, and have to claim some back. Depending on your situation, you'll do this either directly or through a Self Assessment tax return.

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Qualifying for a tax refundWhat kinds of travel qualify for a tax refund for junior doctors?

The rules for work travel depend on your circumstances. It all comes down to whether your workplace counts as temporary or permanent. Rotational contracts, where you're working full-time at a series of hospitals over a period of years usually won't qualify. However, if your training takes place under, for example, a single 5-year contract, then things change. In that case, each hospital you work at will count as temporary because it's a single employment with multiple temporary workplaces. The regulations are easy to trip over here, so it's always best to get professional tax advice from RIFT Tax Refunds.

Claiming overpaid taxWhy might I have paid too much tax?

Under the PAYE system, tax is taken from your income before you get it. When you have expenses that are eligible for tax relief (tax deductible), you have to prove them to HMRC. Travel to temporary workplaces is a major factor in many tax refund claims.

What else can doctors claim tax back on? Well it depends on your circumstances, which is why tax advice for doctors is so involved. You may have professional body subscription fees that count toward your refund as well. In certain circumstances, education and training costs will qualify you for a refund, but the rules can be quite restrictive about this. Even things like laundry of specialised work clothing can contribute to what you're owed.

Work related expensesWhat about relocation expenses? Do they qualify for tax relief?

As a junior doctor, you can claim expenses when you have to relocate for training. Remember that it's not just the basic travel costs, either. Removal expenses, legal fees, subsistence and even the replacement of some domestic goods can all be eligible. Anything you claim for does need to be essential for your work, though, and you do have to be footing the bills yourself. However, if you're being reimbursed, whatever your employer chips in is tax-exempt up to £8,000. It's important to keep receipts for all your expenses, of course, as you need to prove what you've spent to get any tax back.

HMRC Tax ReturnsWill I need to file a Self Assessment tax return?

If you have expenses of over £2,500 to claim, you'll need to use a Self assessment tax return to get your refund. You may also need to use Self Assessment if you have other untaxed money coming in or investment/savings income over £10,000. To use the system you have to register with HMRC, then file a yearly tax return by the 31st of January.

Tax Advice For Junior Doctors

Qualifying for a tax refundWhat kinds of travel qualify for a tax refund for junior doctors?

Claiming overpaid taxWhy might I have paid too much tax?

Work related expensesWhat about relocation expenses? Do they qualify for tax relief?

HMRC Tax ReturnsWill I need to file a Self Assessment tax return?

Need more help?

Tax Advice For Junior Doctors​

Qualifying for a tax refundWhat kinds of travel qualify for a tax refund for junior doctors?

Claiming overpaid taxWhy might I have paid too much tax?

Work related expensesWhat about relocation expenses? Do they qualify for tax relief?

HMRC Tax ReturnsWill I need to file a Self Assessment tax return?

Need more help?

Tax Advice For Junior Doctors