Thousands of workers across the UK may be entitled to money back from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). If you’re required to wear a branded uniform, specialist clothing, or even a company-logoed top for your job, you could qualify for a tax refund.

Many employees remain unaware that costs associated with washing and maintaining their work garments can be deducted from their taxable income. Whether you work as a nurse, mechanic, or in retail, this “flat-rate” allowance could mean extra funds landing in your bank account.

For the majority, the standard flat-rate expense relief is set at £60. This doesn’t mean you’ll get £60 directly, but rather that sum of your income becomes tax-free – basic-rate taxpayers (20%) will get £12 returned, while higher-rate taxpayers (40%) will get £24 returned.

As it’s a flat rate, there’s no requirement to provide receipts for washing products or services. And if you’ve been working in uniform for years without submitting a claim, you might be owed a considerably larger amount.

Claims can be made retrospectively for up to four tax years.

Including the current 2025/26 year, claims can cover five years in total. For a basic-rate taxpayer, that represents a handy £60 refund waiting to be claimed.

Though you’ll need to act quickly as the deadline to claim for the 2021/22 tax year is April 5, 2026.

While £60 is standard, certain professions qualify for increased allowances due to the specialist nature of their uniforms:

Pilots and co-pilots: £1,022 allowance (potentially £204.40 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £408.80 for higher rate)

Ambulance staff: £185 allowance (potentially £37 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £74 for higher rate)

Dental nurses and healthcare assistants: £125 allowance (potentially £25 refunded for basic rate taxpayers or £50 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)

So for a pilot on the higher rate, claiming back for five years, HMRC could pay out £2,044.

How to claim tax back from HMRC

The process is fairly straightforward and can be done online or via postal form P87. You’ll need your National Insurance number, employer details, and PAYE reference (usually found on your P60 or wage slip).

For the current year, HMRC will typically adjust your tax code. This leads to slightly lower monthly tax deductions, giving a small boost to your overall income.

When claiming for previous years, a direct refund should be issued.