Thousands of UK workers could be owed cash from HMRC
Thousands of workers across the UK could be owed cash without even knowing it. If you wear a branded uniform, specialist clothing, or even just a logoed polo shirt for work, you could be entitled to a tax rebate from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Many employees are completely unaware that the expense of cleaning and maintaining their work attire can be deducted from their taxable income. Whether you’re a nurse, a mechanic, or employed in retail, that “flat-rate” expense could result in additional money arriving in your bank account.
For most professions, the standard flat-rate expense allowance is £60. This doesn’t mean you receive £60 in cash, but rather that you don’t pay tax on that portion of your income – £12 (20%) for basic-rate taxpayers, and £24 (40%) for those who pay the higher rate.
Because it’s a flat rate, you don’t need to keep every single receipt from the laundrette or every box of washing powder you’ve purchased. If you’ve been wearing a uniform for years and never claimed, you could be in line for a much larger payout. You can backdate your claim by up to four tax years.
Including the current 2025/26 year, you can claim for five years in total. For a basic-rate taxpayer, that’s a £60 refund waiting to be claimed. However, you’ll need to act quickly as you only have until April 5 to claim for the 2021/22 tax year before that window closes for good.
While £60 represents the standard amount, some professions receive a higher allowance owing to the nature of their equipment:
- Pilots and co-pilots: £1,022 allowance (potentially £204.40 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £408.80 for higher rate)
- Dental nurses and healthcare assistants: £125 allowance (potentially £25 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £50 for higher rate)
- Ambulance personnel: £185 allowance (potentially £37 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £74 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)
Nurses and midwives can also claim for the cost of shoes, socks, and tights on top of their standard £125 allowance.
How to claim
The procedure is relatively straightforward and can be completed online or by post via form P87. You’ll require your National Insurance number, your employer’s details, and your PAYE reference (typically found on your P60 or payslip).
For the current year, HMRC will normally just adjust your tax code. This means you’ll pay marginally less tax each month, providing your take-home pay a modest uplift. If you’re claiming for previous years, HMRC may send you a refund directly.
