The sampling exercise described in EIM05210 is intended to determine the amount that employees are spending on allowable subsistence expenses while they are away from home on a journey whose expenses qualify for tax relief (see generally EIM31800 onwards). HMRC does not accept that the allowable expenses can include the cost of a packed lunch prepared at home from items purchased as part of the employee’s ordinary domestic shopping arrangements, or other food brought from home (see EIM31818). The cost of sandwiches, etc, bought on the way to a temporary workplace can however be included.
