How to get a tax rebate for your work uniform

Do you wear a uniform to work? Did you know you can claim a tax break for that? If your job requires you to wear a particular uniform or outfit, and you have to wash and repair it yourself then you should be benefitting from a small tax allowance.

And if you haven’t been claiming it, then you could be due a rebate. For some industries, this could mean you’re owed more than £100 and it is very easy to claim.

Here’s how:

Wear a uniform to work? You could be entitled to a tax rebate [fotolia]

Who’s entitled to a uniform tax break?

If your employer asks you to wear a uniform to work, whether you’re a police officer in full gear or a barista in a branded t-shirt, you might qualify. Your boss has to require you to wear it at work and you have to be responsible for washing it yourself to be eligible for tax relief. You also have to have paid income tax during the year or years you wish to claim for.

However, if your employer pays you a uniform maintenance fee or provides washing facilities then you can’t claim the relief – it’s intended for people who are out of pocket because of their work uniform.

So how much can you claim?

For most of us, there’s no major pay-out available, but a few professionals could be in line for over £100.

The standard rate is £60 for the current tax year, which means that basic rate taxpayers could claim back £12 a year (20% of £60) while higher rate taxpayers could claim £24 (40% of the £60 allowance).

You can claim for the last four years plus the current year, as long as you’ve met the criteria all that time, meaning a potential rebate of £60.

But certain jobs get higher allowances. For example, joiners and carpenters, some iron and steel workers, and ambulance staff have a £140 annual deduction, which means that a base rate taxpayer could claim £28 a year or £140 in total. And nurses, midwives, chiropodists, dental nurses, occupational, speech, physiotherapists and other therapists also have a higher allowance, at £100.

You can see HMRC’s list here.

How to claim

If you want to claim your tax back, you can access the form to claim cash here. 

You’ll need the relevant employer details, a reason why your uniform can’t be worn when you’re not at work (don’t worry, a company logo is a good enough reason. No one expects you to socialise in your fast food uniform or coffee house-branded shirt). You’ll also need to decide whether you want to receive a cheque or would like the rebate to simply be deducted from your current year’s tax.

While you’re at it…

It’s not just uniforms that attract tax relief; you can get relief on tools or subscriptions you require as part of your job. Some professionals such as nurses can get tax relief on the cost of tights. You can find out more via the government’s official website.

The good news is that once you’ve filled out the form, your tax code will change and you’ll be taxed slightly less every year.

Caution!

You might be tempted to use a claims firm to handle this, there are plenty advertising their services. But you really, really don’t need pay someone else a cut of your rebate because it’s simple to do yourself. Just follow the instructions above – you don’t need someone else to fill out your form.

Have you done this? Will you now? Have your say using the comments below.