claim uniform tax refund

December 2023

Claim Uniform Tax Refund In December 2023

Have you been wearing a uniform to work and maintaining it yourself? If so, you could be entitled to a uniform tax refund. 

This article will provide a complete guide on how to claim a uniform tax refund, including the requirements, benefits, and how to make a claim.

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How do I claim a uniform tax refund?

To claim a uniform tax refund, you must complete a P87 form. You can submit it online or post it. You can claim for four years. If you have overpaid tax, you can claim a tax rebate.

What are the requirements for claiming a uniform tax refund?

To claim a uniform tax refund, you must wear a uniform for work and be responsible for washing or maintaining it yourself. 

You must have paid income tax and not claimed expenses through a self-assessment tax return. Additionally, your job title and industry sector could affect your claim eligibility.

What are the benefits of claiming a uniform tax refund?

By claiming a uniform tax refund, you can reduce your taxable income, which could lead to a tax rebate. You can also claim flat-rate expenses, further reducing your tax liability.

What are flat-rate expenses?

Flat rate expenses are a type of tax relief that can be claimed by taxpayers who have incurred work-related expenses. 

For uniform wearers, the flat rate expense is £60 for the current tax year, and you can claim it without providing any receipts.

What is the tax code? The tax code is a set of letters and numbers that is used to determine how much income tax you pay. Your tax code is based on your income and the amount of tax you have paid.

What is the uniform tax rebate?

The uniform tax rebate is a refund of the tax you have paid on expenses related to wearing a uniform for work. This rebate can be claimed by individuals who wear uniforms for work and are responsible for washing or maintaining them.

What is a tax year?

A tax year is 12 months, starting on the 6th of April and ending on the 5th of April of the following year.

Can I claim a uniform tax rebate for previous years?

Yes, you can claim a uniform tax rebate for previous years, up to four years.

What are the requirements for claiming a tax rebate?

To claim a tax rebate, you must have overpaid tax. This could be because you have paid too much tax or claimed too few allowances.

What is paid income tax?

Paid income tax is the tax that you have paid on your income. This includes tax deducted from your salary through the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) system.

Can self-employed individuals claim a uniform tax rebate?

Yes, self-employed individuals who wear a uniform for work and are responsible for washing or maintaining it can claim a uniform tax rebate.

What is a self-assessment tax return?

A self-assessment tax return is a form used by self-employed individuals or individuals who have received income from sources that are not taxed at source. 

This form is used to report your income and calculate the tax that you owe.

What is a tax rebate claim?

A tax rebate claim is a claim for a refund of the tax that you have overpaid. This could be because you have paid too much tax or claimed too few allowances.

What is a uniform tax rebate claim?

A uniform tax rebate claim is a claim for a refund of the tax you have overpaid on expenses related to wearing a uniform for work. This claim can be made by individuals who wear uniforms for work and are responsible for washing or maintaining them.

Dental nurses, police officers, and ambulance staff are some examples of professions that can claim a uniform tax rebate.

What is the uniform tax rebate for police officers?

Police officers are entitled to claim a uniform tax rebate for the cost of their uniforms, including protective clothing and footwear. They can also claim tax relief for small tools and specialised clothing required for their job.

What is the flat rate for uniform laundry?

If you are required to wash your uniform, you may be eligible for a flat rate expense of £60 for the current tax year. This expense can be claimed without providing any receipts.

claim uniform tax refund in the UK

What is the importance of keeping detailed records of work expenses?

Keeping detailed records of work expenses, including uniform expenses, can help you claim tax relief and ensure that you pay the correct amount of tax. 

HMRC may request proof of your costs, so it is essential to keep accurate records.

What is the tax relief for small tools?

If you need to purchase small tools for work, you can claim tax relief on the cost of these items. This includes things such as hammers, screwdrivers, and drills.

What should I do if I am not eligible for a uniform tax rebate? If you are still determining if you qualify for a uniform tax rebate, you can contact HMRC for guidance. You can also use an online tool to check your eligibility.

Claiming a uniform tax refund can help reduce your taxable income and lead to a tax rebate. It is essential to keep accurate records of your work expenses, including uniform expenses, to ensure that you pay the correct amount of tax. 

You should contact HMRC for guidance if you are still determining eligibility for a uniform tax rebate.

"To claim a uniform tax refund, you must wear a uniform for work and be responsible for washing or maintaining it yourself."

What expenses can I claim tax relief on?

Expenses spent solely and necessarily in the conduct of your employees are eligible for tax exemption. For instance, if you wear a uniform to work and are responsible for cleaning it yourself, you may qualify for tax relief for laundering and maintaining your uniform.

Other employment-related costs, such as purchasing, repairing, or replacing work attire, speciality apparel, and high-visibility jackets, are also deductible. 

In addition, you may be eligible to claim flat-rate expenditures, such as the £60 flat-rate charge for uniform-wearing employees in the current tax year.

How much can you claim without receipts?

You may claim up to £60 in flat-rate costs every tax year without presenting receipts. This covers expenditures such as uniform laundering but does not include the cost of the uniform itself.

Where do I claim uniform expenses?

You may submit Form P87 online or by mail to claim uniform expenditures. You may also claim consistent expenses on your tax return for self-employment.

How do I claim a uniform tax refund

What is the tax credit uniform allowance in Ireland?

The tax credit uniform allowance is available to Irish taxpayers forced to wear a uniform for work. This tax credit is presently valued at €160 per year.

Do employers have to provide uniforms in Ireland?

Employers in Ireland are not legally obligated to supply uniforms for their staff. Yet, if an employer forces an employee to wear a uniform, the employee may be obliged to pay for the outfit or contribute to its cost.

How do you check if I received my refund?

With the HMRC’s online service, you may see the status of your refund and the progression of your claim. Contact HMRC if you have not received your refund within 45 days of making your claim.

Where can I check my refund status?

With the HMRC’s online service, you may see the status of your refund and the progression of your claim.

How long does a UK tax refund take?

The time required to get a tax refund in the United Kingdom might vary based on the intricacy of your application. 

In most instances, you may receive your refund within 45 days of making your claim.

How do I claim tax back for my uniform in Ireland?

To get a tax refund for a uniform in Ireland, you may utilise the Revenue Online Service (ROS) or mail Form 12. 

You must submit information on your job and the costs you are claiming. Also, you may be expected to show receipts or other evidence of your expenses.

How do I track my tax refund in the UK?

With HMRC’s online tool, you may monitor the status of your tax refund. This service gives real-time information about the progress of your claim and notifies you when your refund has been processed and is on its route.

How can an essential rate taxpayer claim tax relief on work clothing expenses?

By submitting a P87 form, which is accessible online or by mail, a basic-rate taxpayer may claim tax relief on work clothes costs. 

The relief amount depends on the individual’s tax rate and may be claimed for up to four tax years.

What is the uniform tax rebate

What is a national insurance number, and why is it relevant for claiming a uniform tax refund?

A national insurance number is a unique personal identifier used for social security reasons in the United Kingdom. 

It is necessary to complete the P87 form, which is essential for claiming a uniform tax refund.

What happens if an employer pays for a uniform?

If an employer pays for an employee’s uniform, the employee cannot claim a tax deduction for the uniform’s cost. 

Yet, they may still be entitled to a tax credit for consistent maintenance and cleaning expenses.

Can an employer require an employee to wear a uniform?

An employer may mandate that an employee wear a uniform to work. 

Nevertheless, if the employee is responsible for washing and maintaining the uniform, they may be entitled to a tax reduction on the associated expenditures.

What other allowances can an employee claim besides a uniform tax refund?

In addition to a uniform tax return, an employee may be eligible to recover travel expenditures, tool and equipment charges, and professional subscriptions. 

These allowances are contingent upon the nature of the position and the expenses spent.

In what instances would an employer wash an employee’s uniform?

An employer may launder an employee’s uniform if it is essential for hygienic purposes or a contractual requirement. 

In this instance, the employee would not be entitled to a tax reduction on uniform maintenance costs.

Meet the author

Jane Parkinson

Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still claim a uniform tax refund?

You are ineligible for a tax refund if your company provides a uniform. Nevertheless, if your employer pays for just a portion of the charges, such as the cost of laundering, you may be eligible for a uniform tax return for the remaining expenses you have spent.

Can I claim tax relief on repairing or replacing my work uniform?

You may claim the tax credit for repairing or replacing your work uniform, provided you paid it out of pocket. You must, however, preserve receipts or other proof of the charges you’ve spent.

How do I know if I am a basic rate taxpayer?

A basic rate taxpayer has an annual income between £12,571 and £50,270. If you make more than £50,270, you are a taxpayer at the higher rate, whilst if you earn less than £12,571, you are not a taxpayer.

Can I claim a tax refund for previous years if I submit my tax return?

You may still request a tax refund for prior years, even if you’ve already filed your tax return. You must submit a different form for each tax year for which you submit a claim, either online or by mail. Remember that you may only claim for the four prior tax years.

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