In a new campaign, HMRC reminded taxpayers: “Your tax refund could still be waiting. Last year, almost 1 million people didn’t claim back the money they’re owed.”
Many employees are missing out on everyday HMRC tax reliefs and employment claims that quietly go unclaimed each year.
Mark Hall, Managing Director at Protecting.co.uk , says awareness is the biggest issue: “Most employees aren’t aware of what they can claim.
“That means they could have the potential to reclaim money for things like uniforms, mileage or professional body subscriptions they’ve been paying for themselves.”
“On their own, those figures do not always look substantial.
“But stretched over several years they can add up to a meaningful amount.”
Here are five overlooked claims that could put money back in your pocket.
1. The mileage allowance gap many never claim
If you use your own vehicle for business travel, HMRC sets approved rates:
- 45p per mile for the first 10000 miles in a car
- 25p per mile after that
- 24p per mile for motorcycles
- 20p per mile for bicycles
If your employer pays less than this, you can claim tax relief on the difference. Small underpayments often go unnoticed.
“When processes are busy and systems go unchecked, it’s easy for small errors to crop up,” Mark said.
Even a shortfall of 15p per mile across 500 miles could result in a £75 claim.
2. Professional subscriptions you may be able to reclaim
If you pay for a professional membership required for your job and the body is on HMRC’s approved list, you may be eligible for tax relief.
This applies across healthcare, engineering, HR, legal services and skilled trades.
Claims can usually be backdated for up to four years.
Many workers assume these costs are simply part of the job.
“They do not always realise that if they paid the fee themselves and it is on HMRC’s list, they may be able to claim tax relief,” said Mark.
Your tax refund could still be waiting
Last year, almost 1 million people didn’t claim back the money they’re owed.
Download the HMRC app to check. https://t.co/8NJGh489Xv pic.twitter.com/ypRpN31UhZ
— HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) February 13, 2026
3. Tools and equipment bought with your own money
Trade, technical and creative workers often purchase specialist tools or equipment themselves.
If the items are essential for your role and mainly used for work, tax relief may be available – even if your employer did not reimburse you.
Depending on the purchase, claims could reach into the hundreds or more
4. Statutory Sick Pay underpayments
Statutory Sick Pay is set at £11875 per week.
But errors can occur where eligibility rules, earnings thresholds or linked sick periods are miscalculated.
Sickness periods are particularly vulnerable to payroll mistakes.
“Payments are often processed while someone is unwell, so discrepancies can easily go unchecked,” Mark said.
If you think you were underpaid or refused SSP incorrectly, you can raise it with your employer or contact HMRC’s Statutory Payment Disputes Team.
5. Unpaid holiday pay including zero hours workers
All workers – including zero hours staff – are entitled to 5 weeks of paid leave per year, pro rata.
Holiday pay should reflect normal earnings, including regular overtime.
If overtime has consistently formed part of your pay, it should be included in holiday calculations.
“We recommend staff regularly check their payslips and review their tax code once a year,” Mark said.
“Fixing minor discrepancies early is far easier than correcting multiple years later.”
Recommended reading:
Check your HMRC allowances now
Across mileage claims, subscriptions, tools, SSP errors and unpaid holiday pay, some workers could be missing out on nearly £3000.
In a cost of living squeeze, that is money many households cannot afford to ignore.
“The key issue,” Mark said. “Is that people do not know what they are entitled to. Once they do, it becomes much easier to take action.”
