How to claim tax for washing a uniform
20th May 2025
Reviewed by RIFT's Personal Tax Administrator, Jane Rahal
Reviewed by Jane Rahal
Jane Rahal joined RIFT Tax Refunds in 2015, bringing her expertise in managing inquiries and supporting new and returning customers. Working her way up the ranks, she began her most recent role as...
Read More about Jane RahalLots of people in the UK miss out on tax rebates they’re entitled to. And it’s easy to do so,
especially when it comes to things like washing your work uniform. If you have to wear a uniform for your job and you clean it yourself without reimbursement, you could be eligible for a tax rebate. Let’s take a closer look at how you can claim a tax rebate for washing your uniform, who qualifies, and how much you could get back.
What is uniform washing tax relief?
HMRC offers tax relief to employees who must wear and maintain a uniform for work. This relief covers the cost of washing, repairing or replacing your uniform. Rather than tracking every laundry expense, most employees can claim a flat rate expense, which is typically £60 per tax year. This simplifies the process and means you don’t have to keep receipts.
The rationale is straightforward. If you need to wear a uniform at work and you’re responsible for its upkeep, it’s considered a work-related expense. Meaning you’re entitled to tax relief on the costs.
Who can claim for uniform washing expenses?
To be eligible for this tax relief, all the following conditions must apply:
- You wear a uniform that's recognisable and required for your job, for example with a company logo or specific to your role
- You’re responsible for cleaning, repairing or replacing the uniform yourself
- Your employer doesn't provide free laundry services or reimburse you for these expenses
Professions commonly eligible include:
- Healthcare workers such as nurses and paramedics
- Police officers and firefighters
- Retail and hospitality staff
- Construction workers
It’s important to note that if your employer offers laundry services and you choose not to use them, you can’t claim this tax relief.
How much can you claim for washing your uniform?
The standard flat rate expense for uniform maintenance is £60 per year. The actual tax rebate depends on your income tax rate:
- Basic-rate taxpayers (20%): £12 per year
- Higher-rate taxpayers (40%): £24 per year
Some professions have higher allowances due to the nature of their uniforms:
- Nurses and midwives: £125 per year
- Ambulance staff: up to £185 per year
- Pilots: up to £1,022 per year
To support your claim, you’ll need:
- Your employer’s PAYE reference
- Details of your occupation and industry
- Confirmation that you pay for uniform maintenance without reimbursement
Backdating uniform washing claims
You can backdate your claim for up to four previous tax years, in addition to the current year. This means you could claim for five years in total. For example, if you’re a basic-rate taxpayer claiming the standard £60 allowance for five years then you’d receive £60 in total (£12 per year).
To backdate your claim, you’ll need to provide the same information as for a current year claim. Make sure you submit your claim before the deadline for each tax year passes.
Evidence and documentation for washing claims
If you’re claiming the flat rate expense, you don’t need to provide receipts or detailed records. However, it's advisable to keep a record of:
- Your employment details
- Confirmation that you wear a required uniform
- Any correspondence with your employer regarding uniform maintenance
If you choose to claim the actual amount you’ve spent instead of the flat rate, you need to keep receipts and detailed records of all related expenses.
How to make a claim for washing a uniform
Claiming your tax rebate for washing a uniform is easier than you might think. If it’s your first time, the simplest way is to use HMRC’s P87 form. This form is specifically designed for claiming flat rate expenses like uniform maintenance.
You can fill in a P87 form online via the HMRC website, or you can do it by post. You’ll need to include some basic information like your employer’s PAYE reference and your job title, as well as confirmation that your cleaning costs aren’t already covered.
If you’re submitting the claim online, you’ll need a Government Gateway user ID. If you don’t have one, you can set it up when you start your claim. For postal claims, you can print the form and send it directly to HMRC.
If you’ve already claimed for other work expenses this tax year, or if you’re self-employed, you’ll need to include your uniform claim in your Self Assessment tax return instead.
Get your uniform tax rebate with RIFT
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for. At RIFT, we can handle the whole tax rebate process for you, making sure your claim is correct and you get everything you’re owed.
Claiming tax relief for washing your uniform is a straightforward process that can put money back in your pocket. If you think you’re due a tax refund, get in touch with us today and we’ll get started on your claim right away.