Uniform Tax Rebate Explained: Claim Back for Washing Work Clothes
If you wear a uniform or clothing that clearly identifies your job, such as nursing scrubs, retail uniforms, or protective workwear, you could be entitled to a tax rebate from HMRC. This refund helps cover the costs of washing, repairing, or replacing your work uniform. Best of all, it’s simple and free to claim.
What is uniform tax relief?
When you’re required to wear a recognisable work uniform, keeping it clean and maintained often comes out of your own pocket. Extra laundry means higher bills and wear on your appliances.
HMRC offers uniform tax relief to help with these costs. In short, you get to pay slightly less tax, either through a refund or a change to your tax code.
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If you work from home, look at how you can claim some of your tax back.
Do I qualify for a uniform tax rebate?
You may qualify if:
- You wear a recognisable uniform or branded clothing that identifies your job (for example, police, NHS staff, retail, or hospitality).
- You pay for cleaning, repairing, or replacing the uniform yourself.
- You pay income tax in the year you’re claiming for.
⚠️ Note: If your employer provides a laundry service, or the clothing isn’t considered a uniform (e.g. generic black trousers and shirt), you can’t claim. Also, PPE is excluded, as employers must provide this by law.
How much can I claim back?
The standard flat-rate allowance is £60 per year.
- Basic-rate taxpayers (20%) can claim £12 per year.
- Higher-rate taxpayers (40%) can claim £24 per year.
You can backdate your claim for the current tax year plus the previous four years. This means:
- Basic-rate taxpayers can claim up to £60 total.
- Higher-rate taxpayers can claim up to £120 total.
Some industries have much higher flat-rate allowances (for example, ambulance staff can claim £185, while airline pilots can claim over £1,000). Check the official HMRC list of allowances.
How to claim your uniform tax rebate (for free)
Plenty of companies advertise “uniform rebate services”, but they’ll take a cut of your money. There’s no need—you can claim directly from HMRC in minutes.
- Fill out the P87 form – available online from HMRC.
- Provide your details – including your National Insurance number, employer details, and PAYE reference.
- Select flat-rate deduction – unless you have receipts for actual expenses, choose the flat-rate option.
- Choose how to be paid – refund via cheque or directly into your bank account.
For past years, HMRC may send a payment, while for the current year they’ll usually adjust your tax code so you automatically pay less tax in future.
If you’ve claimed before and your tax code needs updating, you can call HMRC directly on 0300 200 3300.
Is it worth claiming?
Yes. While £12–£24 per year doesn’t sound much, it can add up, especially when backdated across five years. And if you’re in an industry with a higher allowance, the total could reach hundreds of pounds.
The key thing is that it’s your money, and the process is quick and free if you do it yourself. Don’t pay a middleman to submit a form you can fill out in minutes.
If you’re employed in the emergency services or various other government departments, look at discounts from the Blue Light Card.
