Annual renewal process to include 4% increase

The RCVS annual renewal process for veterinary surgeons will start in March and will include a fee increase of 4%.

Due to inflation, RCVS Council recommended a 4% increase this year, which was approved by the Privy Council and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). This is 2% lower than last year’s increase of 6%, in line with the reduced rate of inflation.

Dr Tshidi Gardiner, RCVS Treasurer, said: “As with last year, RCVS Council recognises that we are living in difficult economic times, and have tried to keep the fee increase to a minimum. However, it is important that we increase fees in line with inflation, as well as take into account additional related costs, to ensure we are fulfilling our regulatory remit to the best of our abilities and meet our strategic priorities.”

Veterinary surgeons need to pay their annual renewal this year by 1 April and will be sent their fee notices within the first two weeks of March. Anyone who has not paid their fee by 1 May will incur a higher fee of £36, with non-payment by 1 June risking removal from the Register and ineligibility to practise.

As part of the annual renewal process, all individual vets will also need to log into their online MyAccount to confirm their registration and contact details and declare any convictions. 

The veterinary nurse annual renewal period will begin in the autumn, and their fees will also be subject to the same percentage increase as that for vets.

The College recognises that the current financial environment is difficult for some, and anyone who expects to encounter any difficulties in paying their fees should contact our Finance Team on [email protected] or 020 7202 0722.

Tax relief for professional fees/ subscriptions 

Did you know that through HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) you may be able to claim tax relief on professional fees/subscriptions, if you have to pay the fees to be able to do your job?  

Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses registered with the RCVS may be eligible to claim tax relief against RCVS registration fees under the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003.

To claim tax relief:

- You must be a UK taxpayer, and pay the RCVS registration fees yourself (they cannot be paid by your employer, or be claimed back through them); 

- Your registration fees must be directly related to your current job. 

How much you can claim depends on the marginal rate of tax you pay and other factors. Typically, a basic rate UK taxpayer may be eligible to claim 20%, and a higher rate UK taxpayer may be eligible to claim 40% against their registration fees. If you have not claimed tax relief on your registration fees previously, you may be eligible to make a claim for the last four tax years. 

To find out if you qualify and more information on how to claim visit the UK Government website or contact HMRC for more information. You can only make a claim via HMRC, and you may need your PAYE reference, and National Insurance (NI) Number. Please note the RCVS cannot provide any advice or support in claiming tax relief.