Job-Related Tax Allowances

If you are employed in a job that requires you to wear a uniform, specialist clothing then you are probably entitled to claim what HMRC defines as Job Expenses. This is a flat rate allowance of between £60 (for most occupations) right up to £1022 which applies to certain Airline staff.

A large number of professions are entitled to Uniform Tax Rebates
Ollyy/Shutterstock

For the majority of individuals the flat rate will be applicable, and by clicking  HERE you can find the flat rate for your job. You can, of course, claim more than the flat rate, however, if you want to claim extra you will need to have records and receipts showing the excess. If your employer pays you any of the costs, then you will need to deduct this from the allowable rate.

How to claim

Putting in a claim is fairly straightforward you can find further information below. The amounts might not be significant, but they are better in your pocket than someone else’s.

You can claim online by using the government gateway by clicking HERE Or;

You can claim by post by using the HMRC Print and post – form obtainable HERE

Claiming Other Work-Related Expenses

There are various other work-related expenses which HMRC will consider legitimate expenses:

Small Tools

Scissors qualify as small tools under the current HMRC rules
dimid_86/Shutterstock

If you must pay to repair or replace the small tools, then you can also use the above flat rate scheme even if you don’t qualify for the uniform element via your job. For example, a hairdresser doesn’t qualify under the uniform element but having their scissors sharpened or serviced probably would. Again these can be claimed using the links above.

Travel Expenses

Travel expenses which are not paid by your employer can be reclaimed
Kaspars Grinvalds/Shutterstock

Using Your Own Vehicle For Work

If you use your own vehicle for work, you may be able to claim tax relief at the approved mileage rate. If you use a company car, you may be able to claim tax relief on fuel that you personally pay for pertaining to business trips.

Travel and overnight expenses

If you have to travel for your job, you may be able to claim tax relief on the money you’ve spent on food or overnight expenses. This includes transport costs and hotel accommodation that has not been reimbursed by your employer. You must keep records of what you’ve spent ideally with receipts, so use a credit card.

Professional fees and subscriptions

If you pay fees or subscriptions to approved professional bodies; you may be able to claim tax relief. You must have an active membership and it must relate to your job. If the fees are life membership subscriptions or someone else paid them, you cannot claim tax relief.

Working from home

Working from home is becoming more common
Africa Studio/Shutterstock

If you have bills relating to you having to work at home on a regular basis, you may be able to claim tax relief. This can include a proportion of the household energy bill (if you have a room set aside as an office etc.). If you use things for both private and business use (such as the telephone and broadband) or you voluntarily choose to work from home, you probably won’t get tax relief.

Buying other equipment

If you have to buy a substantial piece of equipment, such as a computer to work on, you may be able to claim tax relief on the full cost of the equipment providing it is used fully for business purposes.

Unlike the Uniform Tax rebate scheme these expenses (other than small tools) are open to interpretation so it is best to seek professional advice or at least speak to HMRC (they are surprisingly helpful) if they are substantial.