Anyone who wears uniform to work can claim tax back from HMRC

In some cases you could reclaim hundreds of pounds from HMRC

Thousands of employees throughout the UK could be owed cash back from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). If you wear a branded uniform, specialist clothing, or even a company-logoed shirt for work, you might be eligible for a tax rebate.

Many workers are unaware that expenses for laundering and upkeeping their work clothing can be offset against their taxable earnings. Whether you’re employed as a nurse, mechanic, or in the retail sector, this “flat-rate” allowance could result in additional money appearing in your account.

For most people, the standard flat-rate expense relief stands at £60. This doesn’t translate to receiving £60 directly, but means that amount of your earnings isn’t subject to tax – basic-rate taxpayers (20%) will receive £12 back, while higher-rate taxpayers (40%) will receive £24 back.

Since it’s a flat rate, you don’t need to show receipts for laundry items or services. And if you’ve worked in a uniform for years without making a claim, you could be due a substantially larger sum. Claims can be backdated for up to four tax years.

Including the present 2025/26 year, claims can span five years altogether. For a basic-rate taxpayer, that amounts to a welcome £60 refund awaiting collection. However, you’ll need to be quick as the deadline to claim for the 2021/22 tax year is April 5, 2026.

While £60 is typical, some professions receive enhanced allowances reflecting the specialist nature of their uniforms:

• Pilots and co-pilots: £1,022 allowance (potentially £204.40 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £408.80 for higher rate)
• Ambulance personnel: £185 allowance (potentially £37 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £74 for higher rate)
• Dental nurses and healthcare assistants: £125 allowance (potentially £25 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £50 for higher rate)
• Mechanics: £120 allowance (potentially £24 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £48 for higher rate)
• Firefighters: £80 allowance (potentially £16 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £32 for higher rate)

As well as their standard £125 allowance, nurses and midwives can additionally claim for footwear, hosiery, and tights.

How to claim tax back from HMRC

The procedure is relatively simple and can be completed online or via postal form P87. You’ll need your National Insurance number, employer information, and PAYE reference (typically located on your P60 or wage slip).

For the present year, HMRC will generally alter your tax code. This results in marginally reduced monthly tax deductions, providing a modest increase to your overall earnings. When claiming for earlier years, a direct refund should be issued.