Cost of living allowances, other expenses and benefits

Produced by Tolley in association with Sarah Robert of James Cowper Kreston
Employment Tax
Guidance

Cost of living allowances, other expenses and benefits

Produced by Tolley in association with Sarah Robert of James Cowper Kreston
Employment Tax
Guidance
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General principles

An employee may receive a payment from his employer as reimbursement of an expense incurred as part of his employment duties. These payments are not earnings within ITEPA 2003, s 62 and are therefore not taxable under that provision. Many reimbursed payments are considered as earnings under ITEPA 2003, s 72 but if a deduction would be available for the same amount under the expenses rules, the reimbursement is exempt under ITEPA 2003, s 289A (see the Expenses ― general rule and Expenses and benefits matched by allowable deductions guidance notes).

In some circumstances (eg a payment of a home to work mileage allowance, classed as private commuting and not a business cost), a payment of expenses does not qualify for a corresponding deduction. Such a payment is treated as earnings for UK tax and NIC purposes.

Employees can be required to make payments on their employer’s behalf in many different situations. For example, an employee may buy stamps for the employer and be paid from

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Sarah Robert
Sarah Robert linkedinicon

Director at James Cowper LLP 


Sarah Robert is a Business Tax director.Sarah heads up James Cowper's expatriate tax services. She assists corporate clients moving employees overseas and into the UK as well as companies and entrepreneurs setting up in the UK for the first time.With extensive international experience in Big 4 firms, Sarah moved to James Cowper in 2009 and now advises a varied portfolio of companies. She is experienced in a wide range of taxation issues including; employment taxes, international payroll, international social security planning, double tax treaty advice and HMRC enquiries. She has a particular expertise in advising French companies and individuals and  having worked in France herself, Sarah has a good understanding of international business challenges.

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  • 12 Jun 2025 10:10

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