If you wear a uniform for work in the UK, you may be eligible to claim a tax refund for the cost of maintaining it, whether that means cleaning, fixing, or buying new ones. Yes! When you keep your uniform in great shape, the uniform tax relief helps you get some cash back. Want to know how to get it and how much you could get? It’s easy to get your uniform tax back.
Let’s find out who is eligible and how much you could get back!
Steps To Claim Your Uniform Tax Relief
Claim your uniform tax refund with ease! By following a few straightforward steps, you can recoup a portion of the expenses associated with maintaining the quality of your professional attire. Comprehending the process of cleaning, repairing, or maintaining your uniform can assist you in reducing your financial burden and saving money. Let us delve in!
1. Complete a P87 Form
The initial step in claiming your uniform tax relief is to complete the P87 form. This form intends for employees to claim tax relief on specific job-related expenses. This is the method to be followed:
Acquire the P87 Form:
The P87 form is available on the HMRC website. It is in PDF format, which allows for easy download and printing.
Complete the form:
Please furnish the requisite information, which includes your personal information, employment details, and the expenses associated with the cleansing or maintenance of your uniform. To prevent processing delays, provide as much detail as possible regarding each expense.
Double-check your information:
Before submission, review your form to guarantee that all information is precise and comprehensive. Processing delays may result from errors or incomplete information.
2. Forward the P87 Form to HMRC.
Upon completion of the P87 form:
Send It by Mail:
The form should be printed and signed before being sent to the designated address on the HMRC website. Ensure that you retain a duplicate for your records.
Allocate time for processing:
The processing of claims by HMRC typically requires several weeks. If you are still waiting to receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, you may contact them to inquire about the status of your claim.
3. Requirements for Evidence
Depending on the method of claim you choose, you will be required to submit evidence of your expenses when claiming tax relief:
Claiming the Actual Amount Spent:
If you elect to claim the precise costs you incurred, you must submit copies of your receipts or other forms of payment documentation. This may encompass:
- Dry cleaners or laundry services receipts.
- Invoices for maintenance or replacements.
If receipts are misplaced, bank statements will indicate the transaction.
Ensure all evidence is organized and affixed to your P87 form before sending it to HMRC.
Claim a Flat Rate Expense:
If you prefer to claim a flat rate deduction (a predetermined quantity that is determined by your occupation), you may do so as follows:
You are not required to submit any receipts or evidence. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult with tax advisors or HMRC to verify the agreed fixed rate for your specific job role.
4. Tax Returns for Self-Assessment
If you are self-employed or have income that is not taxed at the source and are required to file a Self Assessment tax return:
Claim Inclusion:
Your uniform tax relief claim must be explicitly included in your Self-assessment tax return.
Utilize the appropriate section:
Expenses are typically claimed in a section of the tax return. Please complete this form precisely, including any pertinent quantities you desire to claim for your uniform.
Keep a record:
Maintain the invoices on file if HMRC requests evidence of your claims, even though they will not be submitted with your tax return.
Who Can Claim Uniform Tax Relief?
Uniform tax relief is available if you are obligated to wear a particular uniform for your employment and are responsible for its cleansing or maintenance. This pertains to:
- Healthcare professionals, nurses, and medical personnel
- Armed forces personnel, police officers, and firefighters
- Cleaners, hospitality personnel, and retail employees
- Individuals who are required to wear protective or branded apparel for their occupation
The uniform must be job-specific and something other than something that would be worn outside of work to qualify. You will not be eligible to claim this tax relief if your employer reimburses you for cleaning costs or provides laundry services.
How Much Can You Claim?
When claiming uniform tax relief, you have two options:
- Actual Costs: You can claim the actual amount you’ve spent on cleaning or maintaining your uniform.
- Flat Rate Expense: Alternatively, you can opt for an agreed flat rate expense, which is a fixed amount determined based on your profession.
Be sure to check if your occupation has an agreed flat rate expense you can use.
Eligible and Ineligible Claims for Uniform Tax Relief
| What You Can Claim For | What You Cannot Claim For |
| Cleaning, Repairing, or Replacing Uniforms | Initial Purchase Cost |
| – Work uniforms that identify you as part of a specific occupation (e.g., nurses, police officers). | – The initial cost of buying your work uniform or specialist clothing. |
| Specialist Clothing | Everyday Clothing |
| – Work-related clothing that does not identify a specific occupation (e.g., safety boots, overalls). | – Costs for cleaning, repairing, or replacing everyday clothes worn at work, even if they follow a specific design or color. |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | |
| – Costs for PPE are not eligible. Employers should provide it for free or reimburse you. |
Can You Claim for Uniform Purchases?
Tax relief is exclusively available for the maintenance or repair of your uniform, not for its initial acquisition. Regrettably, you cannot claim tax reimbursement for expenses your employer requests, such as purchasing specific work clothing or equipment. Nevertheless, uniform tax relief is available to you if you are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the uniform, repairing any damages, or substituting worn-out items. It is crucial to emphasise that the uniform must be associated with your occupation, such as protective apparatus or branded apparel. This tax relief does not apply to everyday apparel, regardless of whether worn for work.
Final Thoughts
Claiming uniform tax relief is a straightforward and efficient method of recovering some of the cost of maintaining your attire. If you have yet to claim, you may be eligible for a refund covering the past four years, potentially increasing your savings. Take advantage of the opportunity to begin saving today by verifying your eligibility and submitting your claim through HMRC’s online system. Quilliammarr.co.uk is available to provide personalized support and expert guidance throughout the process, ensuring that you can maximize your tax benefits with simplicity.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to receive identical tax relief?
Uniform tax relief may be available to you if you are required to don a uniform unique to your occupation. This encompasses personnel employed in professions such as nursing, law enforcement, or any other position that necessitates wearing a particular uniform.
2. What is the process for submitting a claim?
You can submit your claim through HMRC’s online system. This simple procedure enables you to submit your expenses for review.
3. What is the maximum amount of time that I may claim?
If you have incurred eligible expenses during that time, you are eligible to claim tax relief for a maximum of four years. Be sure to prepare your documentation for each year you intend to claim.
4. Will my tax code be impacted by claiming uniform tax relief?
The potential outcome of claiming uniform tax relief is a reduction in your future tax bill by adjusting your tax code. It is an advantageous method to guarantee that you are paying a reasonable amount of tax.
5. Am I eligible to file a claim if I am a contractor or self-employed?
Yes, contractors and self-employed individuals can claim uniform tax relief for the expenses associated with maintaining their uniforms, provided the uniform is necessary for their occupation.
