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When your work requires you to wear specific clothes during your working hours, whether it is a recognisable uniform or personalised workwear. This could include police attire or a nurse tunic, and you have covered the costs for small repairs and washing the clothes on your own, you might be able to claim tax back for as much as 5 year’s expenses.
Even better, you are able to conduct this task without the need to consult with a costly solicitor or firm to help you. All that you need to do is complete a P87 form, which is easy to do on your own for Free!
Are You Entitled To Claim Back Costs On Your Uniforms?
There are a couple of requirements that need to be met. Here is an outline of these below:
- You have to wear clothing which is recognised as a type of work uniform. This may include something as basic as a branded t-shirt with the name of your company on it, or a specific “dress code” that is required at your workplace. This will also include the uniforms that are more recognisable such as emergency services or medical staff.
- Your employer requires that you wear your uniform during business activities or working hours.
- You are required to buy, replace and clean it yourself. If you have to make certain small repairs such as fixing a zip, sewing on a button or anything similar, this will also count.
- You have paid your income tax over the year or years that you are now claiming back.
It is important to know that when your employer provides services that include washing your uniform, or they pay to maintain the uniform, then you will not be able to make any claims.
The Way To Claim For Uniform Tax
You are allowed to claim for your uniform taxes for the last five years when you have proof that you have worn the uniform over this period. All that is needed is to complete a P87 form which you can download from the direct.gov website. You can either print the form out followed by posting it or simply submit the form online. You will have to complete 1 form for every year that you are claiming for.
You will be required to submit certain information that includes:
- The name of your employer and your work address
- Your occupation, the industry sector, and your job title
- Your PAYE reference and National Insurance Number
- How you would like to be paid which includes by cheque or directly into your personal bank account
As soon as the claim is processed, you will receive a document that explains the amount that you will be entitled to, as well as when you can expect the payment to be made. It usually takes as long as 5 weeks in order to process these types of claims.
After you have made your initial claim, it becomes easier to make your next claim. After the 1st claim, you should notice that your tax-code has been adjusted in order to accommodate your uniform tax. If it has not been adjusted make sure you call the HMRC at 0300 200 3300. Or simply visit the Government site for more up to date information here: Uniform Tax Rebate.
Other Factors To Note
The officers that work for armed forces are not required to claim back tax for their work uniform. If you are an armed forces employee, then your tax code usually covers this already.
Other occupations that are similar include employees in the police sector, whereby uniform tax is already claimed for. Each of the forces has its own arrangements, which is why it is advisable to check on this before you proceed.
The amount that you will be paid back will be dependent on your job title and the industry that you are working in. Once you have claimed there should be an adjustment made on your tax-code which means you won’t have to make another claim from here onwards.
If you think that you are entitled to a claim, download the P87 form at https://www.gov.uk/government to get started.
