Claiming tax back on mobile phone costs

[survivalist]

Hi

I am just about to start a new job where the use of a mobile phone is essential to me carrying out my job. In the past I have always had my own contract and claimed it back as an expense directly from my employer. My new employer won't permit this and instead offers (on an optional basis) a phone on a contact they pay for an manage.

My issue is that I still have 9 months to run on my current contract and that I've had this number for ages and most of my clients/suppliers already use this number to contact me.

My new employer is happy for me to keep the number as my work number, but won't reimburse me for the cost.

So my question is: if I keep me own contract for use at work, can I claim the tax back on the monthly and call costs in the same way I would on other non-reimbursed business expenses (e.g. mileage)?

I have a separate PAYG phone for personal use as I make a fair number of calls to international numbers and don't want to have to go through my bill every month to separate work and personal calls.

Thanks in advance

S

[Eric Mc]

You can.

If an expense is incurred wholly, exclusively and NECESSARILLY for the purpose of your employment you can make a claim for that expense against your taxable income.