If you're employed in the UK and required to wear a uniform for work, you may be eligible to claim tax relief on the cost of cleaning, repairing, or replacing it.
This is known as the Uniform Tax Rebate.
Many workers miss out on this simple benefit simply because they’re unaware it exists. In this article, we’ll break down who qualifies, how much you can claim, and exactly how to apply.
What is Work Uniform Tax Relief?
Work Uniform Tax Relief is a government allowance that lets you claim back a portion of the money you spend maintaining your work uniform. This includes:
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Washing
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Dry-cleaning
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Repairs
The amount is usually given as a flat rate expense, meaning you don’t need to keep receipts. HMRC sets standard amounts based on your job type.
Who Can Claim Uniform Tax Relief? To be eligible, you must:
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Wear a recognisable uniform required by your employer (e.g., branded clothing or protective gear)
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Pay for the cleaning, repairing, or replacing of the uniform yourself
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Have paid income tax during the year you’re claiming
You cannot claim if:
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Your employer pays for or provides laundry services
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Your uniform is general clothing (like a suit or black trousers) with no branding
How Much Can You Claim? The standard flat-rate allowance for most workers is £60 per year (as of 2024). This means you could get £12 back each year if you're a basic-rate taxpayer. Certain occupations have higher allowances, including:
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NHS Workers: Up to £90
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Police Officers: Up to £140
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Firefighters: Up to £800
You can check your job’s specific allowance on the HMRC Flat Rate Expenses List.
You can also backdate your claim up to 4 tax years, potentially receiving over £50 in total (depending on your tax rate and eligibility).
How to Claim Uniform Tax Relief
Option 1: Claim Online via HMRC
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Go to: https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/uniforms-work-clothing-and-tools
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Log in or create a Government Gateway account
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Complete the short application form
Option 2: Claim by Post If you’re claiming for previous tax years or don’t want to register online, you can:
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Download and fill out form P87
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Send it to: PAYE and Self-Assessment HM Revenue and Customs BX9 1AS United Kingdom
Option 3: Through Your Self-Assessment Tax Return If you already file a self-assessment, you can include your claim in the employment section of your return.
What You'll Need
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Your National Insurance Number
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Your employer’s name and PAYE reference (from your payslip)
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Details of your uniform and its maintenance (no receipts needed for flat-rate claims)
When Will You Get Paid? If successful, you’ll receive a tax code adjustment or direct refund, depending on your method of application. This can take 4 to 12 weeks.
Common Misconceptions
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“My employer provides the uniform, so I can claim.” Not true unless you pay to clean or repair it.
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“I need receipts.” Not for flat-rate claims.
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“I can only claim once.” You can claim every year and backdate up to 4 years.
Final Thoughts If you're eligible, claiming uniform tax relief is a simple way to put money back in your pocket. Thousands of UK workers from NHS staff to retail employees are entitled to this rebate and don't even realise it. Take 10 minutes to file your claim — it could earn you over £50 in backdated refunds.