Flat Rate Expenses "Engineer" Question...

WetDaddy

Hi Folks,

I was reading up on what's available as Flat Rate Expenses to see if I could claim anything back. I'd be classified as a Skilled Systems Engineer (I.T. Sector) and have been with the same company for the past 5 years.

On the Excel spreadsheet on the Revenue site, I see the following underneath "Engineers & Electrical Industry since 97/98":

All unskilled workers and skilled or semi-skilled workers who do not bear the full cost of own tools and overalls.

So my questions are:

1. Does the IT industry count as this and what is the exact criteria for "engineer"? I've done plenty of hands-on physical work in this role that has required various tools (i.e. it's not 100% a desk-bound IT role or what people would typically think of when they think of IT job).
2. What way does this claiming back work? My company has covered the cost of tools to date, but that doesn't mean I can't claim back, correct?

Thanks in advance!

nompere

WetDaddy wrote: »

...workers who do not bear the full cost of own tools and overalls.

WetDaddy wrote: »

My company has covered the cost of tools to date, but that doesn't mean I can't claim back, correct?

Thanks in advance!

If you haven't incurred any expenses on providing tools why do you think you might be entitled to any relief?

Of course you can't make a claim.

WetDaddy

nompere wrote: »

If you haven't incurred any expenses on providing tools why do you think you might be entitled to any relief?

Of course you can't make a claim.

Well, is it limited specifically to "tools" & "overalls"? What about, for example, boots? Or a tool belt?

If the language is not intended to be 100% literal, then there are items I've paid for that may qualify.

gerrybbadd

WetDaddy wrote: »

Well, is it limited specifically to "tools" & "overalls"? What about, for example, boots? Or a tool belt?

If the language is not intended to be 100% literal, then there are items I've paid for that may qualify.

Basically, taken in the literal sense, the expenses that qualify are those you incur on equipment or clothes that you NEED to perform your job. So, the boots for example, wouldn't really qualify, as you can wear these day to day.

Overalls on the other hand, you can't (or you'd get funny looks, at Mass say!):D

WetDaddy

gerrybbadd wrote: »

WetDaddy wrote: »

Well, is it limited specifically to "tools" & "overalls"? What about, for example, boots? Or a tool belt?

If the language is not intended to be 100% literal, then there are items I've paid for that may qualify.

Basically, taken in the literal sense, the expenses that qualify are those you incur on equipment or clothes that you NEED to perform your job. So, the boots for example, wouldn't really qualify, as you can wear these day to day.

Overalls on the other hand, you can't (or you'd get funny looks, at Mass say!):D

Thanks!

big_show

Apologies for digging up an old thread, but the title covers the area I'm interested in.

I too work in IT and work remotely some days during the week. Therefore I NEED the Internet to do my job, which i pay monthly. would that mean i can claim the "engineers" flat tax?

Can anyone see any problems with this?

srsly78

No problem if you are self-employed.

If you are not self-employed then your employer should be covering the cost of your expenses. If you have chosen to freely donate your home internet for work purposes then there is nothing to claim.

nompere

big_show wrote: »

Apologies for digging up an old thread, but the title covers the area I'm interested in.

I too work in IT and work remotely some days during the week. Therefore I NEED the Internet to do my job, which i pay monthly. would that mean i can claim the "engineers" flat tax?

Can anyone see any problems with this?

You're neither an engineer, nor an electrical engineer, so I don't see how a claim could be justified.

Not all employees automatically get these expense credits included in their credit certificate, though most do, and they are exclusively for employees, not the self-employed. If you look at the list they are largely, though not always, for employees whose jobs require particular clothing.

You really should be looking to your employer to reimburse part of the cost of your home connection.

Mr. Incognito

Firstly you are an employee and only self employed people claim expenses.

Also you are not an engineer. I don't care what title you want to bestow on yourself.

namenotavailablE

A point of clarification: the poster is enquiring about flat rate expenses which are available for certain categories of employees- a Revenue web page about these is available here.

Employees are entitled to claim the values contained within the spreadsheet (link) if they meet the criteria. However, I agree that an IT engineer would not be entitled to claim the flat rate expense deduction available to 'engineers'.

Tails142

Just claim the flat rate expenses, I'm a structural engineer and I spend all my time in the office but I still claim it, if it comes to it I'll argue it out with the tax inspector that fancy work shoes are part of engineer clothing. I've been claiming it for years and its never been questioned, other things I've claimed for I've had to show receipts for etc.

It's not as if its even a huge amount, isnt it only relief at the lower rate? so 20% of 144 or whatever it is? €28 isn't a whole to sweat about, I doubt you'll be going to prison

Coonster

For IT Engineers, would tools such as hardware (laptop), tools for opening and repairing hardware, software tools; all qualify for this relief if you paid for these tools?

srsly78

Only if you are self-employed, and in that case you claim them as expenses - not as tax relief.

Coonster

Flat Rate Expenses are not just for Self Employed. Teachers, Nurses etc get Flat Rate Expenses.


My title is Software Engineer so I fall under the category of Engineer. Shouldn't I be entitled to this expense? If they meant an engineer in the construction industry then they should be more clear in what they understand to be an engineer. They state thats its the Engineer and Electrical Engineer profession.

srsly78

Flat rate expenses are worth feck all but sure go ring your tax office and ask what you qualify for. Many professions get a small allowance for uniform/tools last I checked.

The previous poster was talking about claiming back the cost of tools - this is only applicable in the context of business expenses (sole trader/company).

Here is the list: http://www.revenue.ie/services/flat_rate_exps.xls

dobsdave

There seems to be some crossed wires here.
The flat rate expenses from revenue is very simple.

There is a list of careers on the list, if you are on it, you can claim the amount listed for misc expenses.

For example, I am an engineer, but I dont supply any tools etc at my own cost.
I can claim 219euro*20% as a tax credit per year. 43 euro tax credit.

It isnt for specific items, ie I bought a laptop at 1000 euro etc etc

If you are not sure if your profession should be classified under one of the existing jobs on the list, contact revenue and they will advise.

Pass the Sauce love

Actually, just because you work in one of the 'sectors' outlined in the list of falt rate expenses, it does not mean your entitled to any relief.

Expenses are usually agreed between the Revenue and the relevant employees union. If your not part of any union, Revenue can take off the credit and tell you were to go. I've heard from a reliable source, that bank of ireland employees are entitled to expenses, yet AIB staff are not.

Something to do with the unions apparently.