Claiming Back Rent Expenses

[Sally BFCA]

Just to say, to operate the 'rent a room scheme' you do have to register it with HMRC.

[Maslins]

I claim 5K for second home lodging plus all the expenses of travelling by car up and down the motorway

If HMRC ever got suspicious, it wouldn't be hard for them to find pretty good evidence you're lying.

You'd presumably be claiming a huge amount like 50,000 miles in your car each year. I imagine the MOT certificates would not back that up.

Would you also be able to produce any household bills with your name on from the Scotland address?

Would your bank statements (eg ATM withdrawal points/debit card spending) suggest that you actually lived in Scotland?

[TheFaQQer]

The point I make is this is impossible to prove otherwise

I mean Jacqui Smith was doing something similar to this.

Why cant your main home be at a friends in Sotland??

It matters not where you live, but where you are based as your regular place of employment. So unless you relocate your company to Scotland, then it's a moot point.

[TykeMerc]

The point I make is this is impossible to prove otherwise

I mean Jacqui Smith was doing something similar to this.

Why cant your main home be at a friends in Sotland??

It's quite possible to prove where your main home is, there are a few obvious pointers.

Where most of your stuff is.
Where most of your post is addressed.
Where you're registered to vote.
Where your driving licence is registered to.
Where HMRC have as as the place to send forms.
Where you pay most bills.

Ignore the rubbish about politicians they're "different" i.e. they get to use rules that would see us in jail.

[joey122]

THEIR, there has a completely different meaning...

It's completely legal and proper when it's the truth, if you lie and gain a tax benefit that you're not entitled to then that's Tax Evasion and a criminal offence.
Quite simple really, people who value their freedom and don't want a criminal record wouldn't lie.

The point I make is this is impossible to prove otherwise

I mean Jacqui Smith was doing something similar to this.

Why cant your main home be at a friends in Sotland??

[joey122]

Er because you have actually got to be able to show your home is in Scotland and the scenario you quote isnt the same as stated in the original post.

If you are stupid enough to make such a claim, be sure you can prove to HMRC (and your accountant if you have one) that you are actually doing this.

Hmm - So this scenario would not work then?

My main home is in Scotland (I live at address X in a houseshare- a friend will vouch for this)

My home during the week is in London where I lodge at a place (again perfectly reasonable and can be confirmed)

I claim 5K for second home lodging plus all the expenses of travelling by car up and down the motorway

[TykeMerc]

I am truly suprised this is legal

Why is nt everyone saying there main home is in Scotland (at a friend) and they are commuting to London (and lodging again at afriend)

Would allow you to expense 5K at least

THEIR, there has a completely different meaning...

It's completely legal and proper when it's the truth, if you lie and gain a tax benefit that you're not entitled to then that's Tax Evasion and a criminal offence.
Quite simple really, people who value their freedom and don't want a criminal record wouldn't lie.

[BolshieBastard]

I am truly suprised this is legal

Why is nt everyone saying there main home is in Scotland (at a friend) and they are commuting to London (and lodging again at afriend)

Would allow you to expense 5K at least

Er because you have actually got to be able to show your home is in Scotland and the scenario you quote isnt the same as stated in the original post.

If you are stupid enough to make such a claim, be sure you can prove to HMRC (and your accountant if you have one) that you are actually doing this.

[centurian]

I am truly suprised this is legal

Why is nt everyone saying there main home is in Scotland (at a friend) and they are commuting to London (and lodging again at afriend)

Would allow you to expense 5K at least

Just to repeat what I said ---as long as you meet all the normal criteria of a business expense for travelling to a temporary workplace.

"Saying" your home is in Scotland and lodging in London falls well short of that.

[joey122]

To be fair, that link only answers the question from his brother's point of view - not his own.

But as Bolshie said, it's legal - as long as you meet all the normal criteria of a business expense for travelling to a temporary workplace.

I am truly suprised this is legal

Why is nt everyone saying there main home is in Scotland (at a friend) and they are commuting to London (and lodging again at afriend)

Would allow you to expense 5K at least

[centurian]

You've linked to a website which contains all the information you need so why are you still asking?

To be fair, that link only answers the question from his brother's point of view - not his own.

But as Bolshie said, it's legal - as long as you meet all the normal criteria of a business expense for travelling to a temporary workplace.

[Clippy]

Well no because you can rent a room for 4k and not declare this


http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTax...ome/DG_4017804

You've linked to a website which contains all the information you need so why are you still asking?

[joey122]

Course its legal. He in turn is disclosing this extra income to HMRC, isnt he?

Well no because you can rent a room for 4k and not declare this


http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTax...ome/DG_4017804

[BolshieBastard]

Course its legal. He in turn is disclosing this extra income to HMRC, isnt he?

[joey122]

I work in London but live in Manchester

I commute down here every week and stay at my brothers flat who I pay rent too.

Can I claim this as expenses?

We agreed on 4k a year rent so he does not have to declare it and there is no tax to pay

Is this legal?