👕 Uniform Tax Refunds: How to Claim Back What You’re Owed
If you wear a uniform to work in the UK and wash or maintain it yourself, you could be eligible for a uniform tax refund. Millions of workers are missing out on this simple claim — and many don’t even realise they qualify.
Let’s break down who’s eligible, how much you could get, how to claim it, and how UK banks can help keep track of refunds and tax deductions.
🔍 What Is a Uniform Tax Refund?
The uniform tax refund is a claim you can make to HMRC if:
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You wear a recognisable uniform to work
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You wash, repair, or maintain it at your own expense
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Your employer doesn’t reimburse you for these costs
If this applies to you, HMRC allows you to claim a tax relief on the cost — and even backdate your claim up to 4 years.
👔 What Counts as a Uniform?
Uniforms don’t have to be full suits or branded jumpsuits. Here’s what typically qualifies:
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A branded uniform (e.g. NHS logo, retail staff shirts)
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A distinct work uniform (e.g. police, hospitality, postal worker)
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Protective gear like hi-vis jackets, steel-toe boots (if maintained by you)
Plain clothes, even if you wear them solely for work, usually don’t count unless they have a clear company identifier or are required safety gear.
💷 How Much Can You Claim?
The standard flat-rate allowance for uniform maintenance is currently £60 per year, which equals £12 back per year if you’re a basic-rate taxpayer (20%). Higher-rate taxpayers may receive more.
Other allowances (based on job):
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Police officers: £140/year
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NHS workers: £125/year
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Joiners: £140/year
You can backdate your claim for up to four tax years, meaning a typical worker could receive £60 – £240 in total, depending on job type and tax band.
🧾 Example: Uniform Refund for NHS Worker
A healthcare assistant at an NHS Trust wears a uniform provided by the hospital. However, she must wash and iron it at home.
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She’s eligible for £125/year
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As a basic-rate taxpayer, she claims 20% of that = £25 per year
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Over 4 years, that’s £100 refunded tax-free
🧠 Do You Need Receipts?
No receipts are needed if you’re claiming the standard flat-rate expense approved by HMRC. However, if your uniform costs more to maintain (e.g. dry cleaning), you can claim actual expenses — but must keep records.
🏦 How UK Banks Can Help
While banks don’t handle the tax refund directly, they can support your claim process:
Monzo & Starling
Both offer transaction tagging and notes — ideal if you do purchase or clean your uniforms and want to track costs.
Barclays & Lloyds
Online banking platforms often include expense categories that help you identify eligible costs like laundry services or uniform purchases.
💻 How to Claim Your Uniform Tax Refund
You can apply directly through the official HMRC service here:
👉 Check your eligibility and apply on GOV.UK
Steps:
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Have your National Insurance number and employer details ready
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Fill in the online P87 tax relief form
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Submit and wait for confirmation — this can take a few weeks
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If accepted, your refund will be paid by cheque or direct bank transfer
📅 Claim Timeframe and Backdating
You can claim:
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For the current tax year
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Up to 4 previous tax years (currently from 2020/21 onward)
Example:
If eligible since April 2020, and claiming £60/year, your total refund could be:
£60 x 5 = £300
(£60 for each year including the current one)
⚠️ Avoid Paid Claims Companies
There are third-party firms offering to file the claim for you — often taking 30%+ of your refund as a fee. But you don’t need them. HMRC’s system is free, secure, and straightforward.
📞 What If You’re Not Sure About Eligibility?
Contact HMRC:
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📞 0300 200 3300 (Monday–Friday)
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Or use their income tax query form
They can confirm whether your job qualifies and if you’ve overpaid tax.
🧮 Uniform Tax Refund Calculator
Want to estimate how much you’re owed? Try a uniform tax refund calculator to get a quick estimate based on your role and tax band.
Popular options:
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NHS staff claim tool
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Royal Mail & Civil Service refund pages
❓ FAQs
Can I claim if I work from home?
Only if you wear, maintain, and clean a uniform provided by your employer.
What if I’ve changed jobs?
You can claim for each employer separately, as long as you met the requirements.
Is it a one-time refund?
Once claimed, HMRC may adjust your tax code, so you continue to benefit in future tax years automatically.
🔚 Final Thoughts: It’s Your Money—Don’t Leave It Behind
Uniform tax refunds are a simple win for UK workers who maintain their own work clothing. Whether you’re a nurse, retail assistant, or builder, if you’re spending money to stay presentable or safe on the job, you may be owed tax back.
The claim process is free, takes only a few minutes, and could result in a significant refund — especially if you haven’t claimed in years.
📎 Start here: gov.uk