I used to think remote work was just about comfort — skipping the commute, brewing my own coffee, and maybe sneaking in a load of laundry between emails. But what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) is that working from home can also come with real, financial perks. We’re talking tax breaks, daily stipends, and cost savings that actually stack up.
For part-time admin-style remote roles — like those offered by StarBridge Connect — these benefits matter even more. Whether you’re self-employed or an employee, there’s a good chance you’re entitled to some kind of support for your home setup.
Here’s what I’ve discovered from the UK experience — plus what you need to know if you’re based in the US, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Australia, or the Netherlands.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Before I started working from home, my commute from Low Fell in Gateshead to Silverlink was a grind. I had to cover three different work areas, relying on two buses each way, and the only way to make it work was to buy an all-zone Network One ticket.
Even though the distance was only about 9 miles, the journey regularly stretched past an hour. If I finished around 8pm, I’d often get home closer to 10pm — cold, tired, and out another £5 on snacks just to get through the day.
Eventually, I got a car, thinking it would help. It didn’t. Even with my own vehicle, traffic around Newcastle and Silverlink could turn a 30-minute drive into a two-hour crawl. I’d regularly get stuck trying to cross the Tyne Bridge at rush hour — crawling forward metre by metre, watching the minutes slip away. Between petrol, insurance, parking, and the stress of sitting in traffic after a long shift, it wasn’t much of an upgrade.
Remote work changed everything. I wasn’t bleeding money on bus fares or fuel. I made proper meals instead of grabbing overpriced sausage rolls. And I claimed the £6 per week HMRC tax relief, which adds up to about £62 a year if your employer doesn’t already cover your costs.
But honestly, the biggest win wasn’t the money — it was getting two hours of my life back every day. That’s time I now use to cook, unwind, or even just sit in peace — something you don’t get much of when you’re stuck at Gateshead Interchange in the cold, waiting for a delayed bus, or inching across the Tyne Bridge in a line of brake lights.
🇺🇸 United States
In the US, it really depends on your employment status.
If you’re a W-2 employee, unfortunately, the federal government doesn’t allow home office tax deductions right now. That rule changed back in 2018 — and unless Congress brings it back, there’s not much you can claim.
That said, many US companies offer remote work stipends — either monthly or as one-off reimbursements for things like internet, desks, or utility costs. These aren’t usually taxed, so they’re worth asking about.
If you’re self-employed or run your own business, it’s a different story. You can deduct a percentage of your rent, electricity, internet, and even equipment — either using the simplified method ($5 per square foot, up to 300 sq. ft.) or by calculating actual costs. Just make sure the space is used exclusively for work and that you’re keeping solid records.
🇮🇪 Ireland
Ireland’s system is a bit more generous than the UK’s.
If your employer doesn’t reimburse you directly, you can claim tax relief on 30% of your heating, electricity, and broadband costs related to remote work. You’ll need to prove the usage is work-related and keep records.
Alternatively, some employers offer a tax-free allowance of €3.20 per day to cover home-working costs — that can add up quickly if you’re working from home most of the week.
If you’re self-employed, you can deduct the business-use portion of your home expenses — similar to the UK and US — as long as you keep everything clearly documented.
🇵🇹 Portugal
Portugal has started introducing more formal remote work rules recently — especially after COVID.
Employers are now required to reimburse remote workers for additional home working costs. This can be done through real expense claims or agreed daily allowances, which are typically:
- €0.10/day for electricity
- €0.40/day for internet
- €0.50/day for equipment use
That’s €1 per day, tax-free, paid by the employer. Not every company uses these rates — they’re more of a benchmark — but if you’re working remotely in Portugal, you’re likely entitled to something.
Self-employed professionals can still deduct relevant home office expenses, provided they’re documented and tied to business use.
🇵🇱 Poland
Poland is another country that legally backs up its remote workers.
If you’re employed and working from home, your employer is legally required to reimburse you for increased home working costs — such as electricity, internet, and office equipment. These payments are not taxed as income.
If you’re self-employed, you can deduct a percentage of your home bills, but you’ll need to calculate how much of your space and utilities are used for business. There’s currently no flat-rate scheme, so accurate documentation is key.
Poland might not have the flashiest setup — but the protections for remote workers are surprisingly solid.
🇦🇺 Australia
Australia’s tax office makes it fairly easy for remote workers to claim expenses — as long as you keep track.
Right now, you can claim 67¢ per hour worked from home (rising to 70¢ from July 2024). This covers your utilities, internet, phone use, and general home office running costs. Just keep a log of your hours and at least one bill for each category.
If you buy a desk, chair, monitor or other major item, you may be able to claim a depreciation deduction, or deduct it immediately if it’s below the ATO’s cost threshold.
For self-employed Aussies, the rules are similar — just with a little more flexibility in how you calculate expenses.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
In the Netherlands, remote workers can receive a tax-free daily allowance of €2.35 to cover basic home working expenses. This must be agreed with the employer in writing and is typically offered in addition to or in place of commuting reimbursements.
Employees can’t claim remote work costs directly on their tax returns — it all has to come via the employer.
If you’re self-employed, you can deduct internet, equipment, and other business-use costs — but only if you meet fairly strict criteria. For example, your home office often needs to be a fully separate space used solely for work.
So, What’s the Key Takeaway?
Remote work isn’t just about convenience anymore — it’s increasingly backed by real financial support. Whether that’s through daily stipends, tax relief, or simply not paying £6 a day to get to work, the savings are real.
If you’re not already getting support from your employer — or claiming what you’re eligible for — now’s a good time to dig into the details. Because while remote work gives you time and freedom, it can also quietly boost your bottom line.
👀 Curious about remote roles that let you work flexibly and tap into these benefits?
Visit www.starbridgeconnect.com to explore part-time remote jobs in the UK, EU, USA, Australia, and more.
Disclaimer:
I’m not a tax advisor — just someone who’s lived the daily commute and seen the upside of remote work firsthand. For advice tailored to your situation, always check with a qualified professional or your local tax authority.
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