A NEW online form which makes it simple to claim tax relief for working at home has been launched.

Current government guidance is for people to work from home where possible to curb the spread of coronavirus.

But this also means bills are going up for workers due to things like putting the heating on and using more electricity.

To help the adjustment to the 'new normal', HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has created a new online portal to make it 'easy' to claim tax relief for home working.

It has proved so popular there have been more than 54,800 claims in less than a fortnight.

From April 6, employers have been able to pay staff up to £6 a week tax-free to cover extra costs if they have had to work from home.

Those who have not received the working from home expenses payment direct from their employer can apply to receive the tax relief from HMRC.

Karl Khan, HMRC’s interim director general of customer services, said: “We want everyone to get the money that they are entitled to, so we’ve made the online service as easy to use as we can – it takes just a few minutes to make a claim.”

Once the application has been approved, the online portal will adjust your tax code for the 2020 to 2021 tax year. You will receive the tax relief directly through your salary until March 2021.

HMRC is also reminding critical workers, such as those in healthcare and care home staff, that they can also claim tax relief on work-related expenses, including cleaning their work uniforms.

Employees who clean, replace or repair uniform or tools, or pay fees and subscriptions for their work can apply online directly to HMRC and see instantly if they are eligible for tax relief on work expenses.

Visit gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/working-at-home