Tax refunds for ECS cardholders
ECS cardholders are being encouraged to claim a share of £180m in unclaimed tax refunds following the formation of a partnership between the JIB, ECS and tax refund experts RIFT.
If ECS cardholders are PAYE (‘on the books’) and drive their own vehicle to temporary work sites, there’s a great chance they are entitled to a tax refund of £2,500. Even if they travel by public transport, they may still be able to claim.Alternatively if they are CIS (self-employed), RIFT is able to process their tax return and assist with claim entitlements including meals, telephone bills, tools and clothing.
RIFT will assess if there is a claim and then do all the work, keeping them up to date and pursuing any money owed from HMRC. There are no upfront charges and details can be taken over the phone without lengthy form filling.
The partnership between the JIB, ECS and RIFT means that applicants can benefit from cashback and reduced fees for RIFT’s efforts in obtaining a refund. Steve Brawley (right of picture), chief executive of the JIB said, ‘We are continually working to develop a unique benefits package for JIB members and their employees. The new partnership with RIFT means that ECS cardholders receive either £50 cashback for a PAYE claim or a discount of £50 from the normal fee of £225 for CIS. With potentially thousands that can be claimed back, it’s certainly worth pursuing.’
RIFT rescued £11m in tax refunds for UK construction workers last year and estimate around £180m still outstanding to claim. Bradley Post (left of picture), sales and marketing director for RIFT said, ‘It’s a national scandal that an estimated 943,000 construction workers are missing out on tax refunds – these hard working people are seeing their wage packets stretched more than ever before, and deserve to rescue this money from HMRC.’
Established in 1999, RIFT has considerable experience working with leading employers such as Interserve and Vinci, affiliate bodies including B&CE and the trade union UCATT, helping to claim over £30m in tax refunds for their employees and members.
To claim a tax refund, ECS cardholders should phone 01233 653978 or text ‘RIFT ECS’ to 80010.
