What is uniform tax allowance?
If you wear a uniform/protective clothing to work, (this can even be a T-shirt with the company logo), which you must wash & maintain yourself, you could be eligible to claim uniform tax rebate for the current tax year and up to the past 4 years. According to national statistics, 2 in 3 people who wear a uniform for work can claim uniform tax allowance.
Am I eligible to claim uniform tax allowance?
To be able to claim the uniform tax allowance, ALL the following must apply:
- You wear a recognisable uniform that shows you’ve got a certain job, like a branded T-shirt, air stewardess or police uniform.
- Your employer requires you to wear it while you’re working.
- You must clean & maintain it yourself.
- You paid income tax in the year(s) you are claiming for.
How much can I claim back for my uniform tax rebate?
The total amount an employee can claim back depends on their occupation. The amounts vary with some jobs at the top end, such as air line pilots, HMRC allow up to £1022 per year. The standard rebate (flat rate) for most UK employees who claim for their current year & the previous 4 years (as permitted by HMRC) is £108 , this consists of £48 in a backdated payment and £60 added to the employees tax account as a credit for the current tax year. We find that the average value of a Uniform Tax Rebate claim is £120
Do I need to provide any receipts or documents?
No, HMRC have a adopted a flat rate allowance for all workers who qualify for uniform tax allowance. For tax year 2019/20, the standard flat rate expense allowance (FREA) for uniform maintenance is £60. Therefore, basic rate taxpayers can claim £12 back and higher rate payers £24. As this FREA applies to all eligible UK workers/taxpayers there is no requirement to provide proof or receipts.
For some occupations HMRC have set more specific limits, often where specialist uniforms are required. For example, air cabin crew can claim back up to £576 if the claim is back dated the full 4years, Police officers £112, NHS/Healthcare workers £100 etc, plus their full allowance for the current tax year, added as a credit to their tax account.
For some occupations HMRC have set more specific limits, often where specialist uniforms are required. For example, air cabin crew can claim back up to £380 if the claim is back dated the full 4 years, Police officers £319, NHS/Healthcare workers £208 etc, plus their full allowance for the current tax year, added as a credit to their tax account.
How am I paid?
Once HMRC have processed your claim successfully, your tax code for the current tax year is amended to apply your uniform tax allowance as a credit against any tax you have to pay at the end of the financial year (this would be a minimum of £60). Your backdated part of the claim (up to 4 years) is paid in the form of a cheque.
Can The Claims Guys Legal help?
Our objective is to assist you with any tax rebate due. When an employed taxpayer has paid too much tax during a financial tax year they may be eligible to claim some back.
We will conduct a review of the information you provide and use our expertise and experience to assess whether you have a potential Claim. Throughout your Claim, we will keep you informed and provide clear updates as to the progress of your claim. If you want to make a Claim, you are not sure if you are eligible, or you just want to find out more, please contact us.