Sir, Gordon Brown’s proposal to make taxable the use of a work computer for “significant” personal e-mailing and web-surfing (Business, May 1) assumes the false premise that we live our lives in neat compartments. Personal communication from work often allows arrangements that facilitate efficient working. What about the vast amount of electronic communication via work computers that enable people to organise voluntary service participation, events, fundraising, etc, all of which save the Government money? Are they personal?

It is up to employers to police the use of work computers, but distinctions between “work” and “personal matters” need to be considered very carefully.

If the proposal goes ahead, can I then get corresponding tax refunds for work I take home and progress on my home PC? To avoid the tax should I have my own computer on my work desk as well as the one supplied? I send this from a work computer, but I think it’s neither work, nor personal; it’s part of political debate. Is that taxable?

CHRIS WHITBY
Peckleton, Leics

Sir, What will be the position of employees having legitimate time off who use their home computers to do some research for a company project, or to check their office e-mail in case anything urgent needs attention? Will they get a rebate if they have previously been taxed for “significant personal use”? Will that tax include opening a private e-mail that arrives at their company e-mail address?

What will be the position when my daughter checks her office e-mail from my computer, or uses the internet for office work she has brought with her?

I work from home — should I consider such use as “significantly personal” of my business computer and report her for tax purposes? Or should I regard my business computer as having metamorphosed into my personal computer for the duration and should that qualify her for a tax rebate on the grounds of “significant company activity” in personal time?

If I take time out for a quick look at the Times Online comment columns, should I report myself to the Treasury?

PAT CLARKE
Godalming, Surrey

Sir, I wonder if the future e-mail tax could be extended to apply to all use of MPs’ offices.

CLIVE KEOUGH
Birchington, Kent

Explore Letters

• Feedback