The Inland Revenue have recently confirmed that the fee payable in respect of the Security Industry Authority licence is tax deductible which is great news for everyone employed within the private security industry who will have to purchase their own SIA licence to operate.

 This means they will be able to claim tax relief against their taxable income. If you pay a basic rate, the relief will be worth £41.80 - this will apply to the majority of security officers.
For those paying a higher tax rate the relief will be worth around £76.80. In essence, this brings the cost of the licence for the estimated 1/2 million security officers in the UK down from £190 to around £148.20

There will also be no tax or national insurance liability where an employer is paying the fee on behalf of his employees.

For anyone wishing to claim, ask for and complete a tax return from your local Inland Revenue tax office.