How to claim tax for washing a uniform
Reviewed by 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...
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Flat-rate tax relief: HMRC allows employees who wash their own required work uniform to claim a standard flat-rate laundry allowance—typically £60 per year—without needing to save receipts.
Actual refund depends on your tax rate: A basic-rate (20%) taxpayer claiming the standard £60 allowance receives a £12 per year refund, while higher-rate (40%) taxpayers receive £24 per year; specialized roles like nurses (£125/yr) or pilots (£1,022/yr) qualify for higher industry allowances.
Backdate up to 4 years: You can backdate unclaimed uniform laundry expenses for up to four previous tax years plus the current tax year, allowing basic-rate workers to claim a combined £60 lump sum refund.
Lots 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.
🧾 Did you know? Over £100 million in uniform cleaning tax relief goes unclaimed in the UK every year. Millions of eligible workers - including nurses, retail staff, police officers, and tradespeople - miss out simply because they don't realize that a basic logo t-shirt or required hi-vis jacket qualifies them for flat-rate laundry tax relief.
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.
"Washing your work uniform might seem like a minor everyday cost, but HMRC explicitly recognizes it as an allowable employment expense. If your employer requires you to wear a branded top, protective clothing, or a specific uniform and doesn't provide free laundry facilities, claiming that tax relief is money you are legally entitled to get back." - Helen Lambkin, RIFT Assistant Operations Manager
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
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
💡 RIFT Recommends: Check for higher industry-specific flat rates! Don't automatically default to the standard £60 allowance. Check HMRC's list of industry-specific flat-rate expenses first to significantly increase your potential refund.
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
Uniform Cleaning Tax Relief Allowances & Rebate Values
Occupation / Industry | Annual Flat-Rate Allowance | 5-Year Claim Total | 20% Basic-Rate Refund (5 Yrs) | 40% Higher-Rate Refund (5 Yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Standard Workers (Retail, Hospitality, Construction) | £60 / year | £300 | £60 lump sum | £120 lump sum |
Healthcare Staff (Nurses, Midwives, Dental Nurses) | £125 / year | £625 | £125 lump sum | £250 lump sum |
Ambulance Staff | Up to £185 / year | £925 | £185 lump sum | £370 lump sum |
Firefighters & Police | £80 / year | £400 | £80 lump sum | £160 lump sum |
Airline Pilots & Flight Deck Staff | Up to £1,022 / year | £5,110 | £1,022 lump sum | £2,044 lump sum |
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.
💡 RIFT Recommends: Claim once to update your ongoing tax code. When you successfully claim uniform tax relief using a P87 form, HMRC won't just send you a refund for past years - they'll also automatically adjust your tax code for future years. This means you'll continue to pay slightly less tax each month without having to reapply every year.
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.
