Are you serving in the Army, Navy or RAF, or have you left the Forces in the last few years? If so, you could be sitting on money that’s rightfully yours. A military tax rebate is HMRC’s way of giving you tax back on work expenses the Ministry of Defence (MOD) hasn’t fully covered. Things like travel to temporary postings, mess dress upkeep or professional fees. In 2025, the average Armed Forces refund is around £3,250, with most payouts landing in just 6-10 weeks. 

The catch? You can only claim for the last four tax years. This means the 2020/21 tax year expired in April 2025 and in 2026 you risk losing a military tax refund from 2021/22 if you don’t act before April. 

So why not join thousands of service personnel and turn to RIFT? With 25 years’ Armed Forces expertise, we make the whole process easy, fast and fully HMRC-compliant. No stress, no admin battles, just money back where it belongs. In your bank account. 

Military tax rebate at a glance

  • Average refund: ~£3,250
  • Payout time: 6–10 weeks (most in 6–8)
  • Claim window: Up to 4 years back
  • Deadline: Act before 5 April 2026 to keep your 2021/22 refund
  • Who can claim: Army, Navy, RAF, Reservists and Veterans

What is a military tax rebate?

A military tax rebate is money back from HMRC – the UK’s tax authority, His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs – when you’ve paid too much tax because of expenses linked to your Armed Forces service. Put simply, if the MOD hasn’t fully covered the costs of your job, HMRC may let you claim some tax relief.

The rules exist because military personnel often travel to temporary workplaces – locations you’re assigned to for less than 24 months. Under the 24-month rule, if you know you’ll be at a posting for more than two years, it stops being classed as temporary, and you can’t usually submit a military travel expenses tax claim.

Do I qualify for an HMRC military tax rebate?

Not everyone in the Armed Forces will qualify for a rebate, but thousands do each year. The key is whether you’ve spent your own money on costs that the MOD hasn’t fully reimbursed. If those costs were for work and within the last four tax years, you may be able to make an HMRC military expenses claim.

You may be eligible for an Armed Forces tax rebate if: 

  • You attended a temporary workplace – normally a posting lasting 24 months or less, such as a six-month detachment or year-long training course.
  • You paid for travel, food, uniform upkeep or other work-related expenses out of your own pocket.
  • The MOD allowances you received – like GYH (Get You Home), which helps with travel between home and duty station, or HTD (Home to Duty), which contributes towards daily commuting costs – helped, but didn’t cover the full cost.
  • Your expenses fall within the last four tax years.
  • You’ve got records or can reconstruct them from assignment orders, payslips or bank statements. 

Remember: you can’t “double-claim” expenses. If the MOD already covered the full cost, HMRC won’t refund you again. 

Army

Typical Army tax refunds come from travel to training courses, field exercises and deployments away from your main base. Even mileage to short-term postings often qualifies.

Navy

Shore postings, time away from your home port and certain accommodation costs may be eligible for a Navy tax refund. Uniform and mess dress upkeep can also add up. 

RAF

Temporary relocations, detachment travel and duty-related mileage are common claim areas for RAF tax refunds. Extra transport for short-term postings often qualifies too. 

Reservists

Travel for training or active duty can count, especially when MOD allowances don’t cover everything. Even weekend or annual camp journeys may qualify for a reservist tax rebate. 

Veterans

If you’ve left the Forces in the last four years, you can still claim back costs from your service. Lots of people don’t realise they’re still eligible for an ex-military tax refund, but there may still be money on the table you can claim back. 

Common scenarios include travel for a six-month detachment, train tickets to a course, mileage to a temporary base or even cleaning and upkeep of mess dress and kit. Professional subscriptions and small items of equipment may also be claimable. 

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What expenses can you claim in a military tax refund?

When you claim back military expenses, HMRC will only accept costs that are wholly, exclusively and necessarily for work. That means the expense has to be directly linked to your Armed Forces duties and not something you’d pay for in your personal life. 

Here’s a simple guide to what you can and can’t usually claim: 

Claimable expenses Not claimable expenses
Mileage shortfall (when your military mileage allowance is lower than HMRC's approved Mileage Allowance) Commuting to your permanent base
Public transport to temporary postings or training courses Private or personal journeys
Uniform and mess dress cleaning costs Costs already fully reimbursed by the MOD
Meals and subsistence while away from base Everyday food costs at your permanent postings
Professional fees and subscriptions (if required for your role) Items not related to your work duties
Travel to training if the workplace is temporary  
Small tools or equipment needed for duties  

 

Examples

  • Driving to a 10-month detachment and claiming back the mileage shortfall.
  • Train tickets for a temporary training course not fully covered by MOD allowances.
  • Regular cleaning of mess dress or specialist kit.
  • Subscriptions to professional bodies linked to your trade.
  • Keeping hold of receipts, tickets and mileage logs makes these claims much stronger. Without proof,
  • HMRC can reject even legitimate expenses. 

How much tax could I get back as Armed Forces personnel?

The amount you can claim will always depend on your personal circumstances, but military tax rebates are often bigger than people expect. The average Armed Forces tax refund is around £3,250, although you could receive more depending on your postings and mileage. 

Key factors that affect the size of your rebate include: 

  • How many temporary postings or detachments you’ve had
  • The distance you’ve travelled to and from duty
  • Whether your MOD allowances covered only part of the cost
  • How much evidence you’ve kept, such as mileage logs, receipts or assignment orders 

To give an example, an RAF posting 150 miles from home for 10 months could mean thousands of pounds in travel relief once mileage shortfalls and subsistence are included. You can backdate your claim for up to four tax years. Right now that means you could claim for: 

  • 2021/22
  • 2022/23
  • 2023/24
  • 2024/25

If you don’t act before April 2026, the 2021/22 year will be lost. And once a year has expired, HMRC won’t let you claim it back. This means you can no longer claim back for 2020/21, as this tax year expired in April 2025. 

Even if you’ve already left the military, you may still be eligible to claim for costs from your last four years of service. Many veterans don’t realise this, which means a lot of money is left unclaimed each year. 

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MOD tax refund application: how to claim step by step

When you’re claiming a military tax rebate, it’s important to remember that refunds are processed by HMRC – not the MOD. That means you’ll need to follow HMRC’s rules and provide the right evidence. Follow the steps below and you’ll be on the right path. 

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

Check whether your travel, uniform or other expenses meet HMRC’s rules for military tax relief: 

  • A temporary workplace (normally under 24 months)
  • Expenses not fully reimbursed by the MOD
  • Costs within the last four tax years 

Step 2: Gather your documents

Having the right evidence makes your claim faster and stronger. You’ll usually need: 

  • Identity & contact: Service details, current address
  • Income & tax: P60s (or P45 if you’ve left service), payslips for each claim year
  • Postings evidence: Assignment orders, detachment/course dates, base names
  • Travel evidence: Mileage logs, ticket receipts, MMA (Military Mileage Allowance) statements
  • Other expenses: Cleaning receipts for mess dress/uniform, professional fee invoices, small equipment purchases 

Step 3: Choose your submission route

  • Use a P87 form if your annual expenses are under £2,500 and you don’t normally file a tax return
  • Use Self Assessment if your expenses are over £2,500 or you already complete a tax return
  • Submit either online via HMRC’s portal or by post 

Step 4: Submit your claim

Send your application with all supporting documents. HMRC may contact you for clarification, so be ready to respond quickly. 

Step 5: Monitor and wait

Most refunds are processed within 6-10 weeks, although peak times can take longer. HMRC may also adjust your tax code once your claim is processed. 

DIY vs RIFT

You can handle the process yourself, but many people find the paperwork stressful and worry about making mistakes. With RIFT, your claim is fully HMRC-compliant and handled by specialists who know the Armed Forces system inside out. That means less admin for you, fewer delays and peace of mind that nothing’s been missed. 

Submitting early is crucial. Claims must be in before 5 April to avoid losing a tax year. Wait too long, and your refund for that year is gone forever. 

More on how it works

How long does a military tax rebate take?

Most military tax refund claims are processed by HMRC in 6–10 weeks. Specialist Armed Forces claims, where the paperwork is clear and complete, are often closer to 6–8 weeks. 

However, delays can happen. HMRC may ask for extra evidence, or processing can slow down during peak times such as the end of the tax year. Missing documents or incomplete claims are the most common reason for longer waits. 

Once your claim is approved, HMRC may adjust your tax code as well as issue a refund. That means you could see extra money in both a lump sum payment and reduced tax deductions going forward. 

At RIFT, we make sure claims are submitted correctly the first time round, which cuts down on HMRC back-and-forth and keeps your military tax refund moving. 

Common mistakes in Armed Forces tax claims

Many military tax refund claims are delayed or rejected because of simple errors. Some of the most common pitfalls include: 

  • Missing backdated years – forgetting that you can only claim up to four years, and losing refunds once deadlines pass
  • Confusing MOD allowances – assuming that allowances like GYH (Get You Home) or HTD (Home to Duty) mean you can’t claim anything further, when in fact they often don’t cover the full cost
  • Missing paperwork – not keeping assignment orders, receipts or mileage logs, making it harder to prove your case
  • Submitting invalid claims – accidentally double-claiming costs already covered by the MOD
  • DIY errors – filling in HMRC forms incorrectly or leaving out information, which can slow down or even invalidate your claim 

With RIFT, you don’t need to worry about these mistakes. Our Armed Forces specialists know exactly what HMRC expects, so your claim is accurate, compliant and paid as quickly as possible. 

Top tips for claiming your military tax refund

Getting your claim right the first time makes the process faster and increases the chances of success. Here are some of the best ways to stay on top of your claim: 

  • Keep all assignment orders – they’re the backbone of your claim, proving when and where you were posted
  • Save receipts for mess dress, travel and other expenses – without proof, HMRC may reject legitimate claims
  • Log mileage and expenses as you go – don’t rely on memory; a simple notebook or phone app can do the job
  • Submit your claim before 5 April – wait too long and you’ll lose a tax year’s refund for good
  • Backdate up to four years – you can claim for 2021/22 through to 2024/25 until April 2026
  • Check mileage rates – if your MOD Military Mileage Allowance (MMA) is lower than HMRC’s Approved Mileage Allowance (AMAP), you can usually claim the difference
  • Don’t assume MOD allowances cover everything – schemes like GYH (Get You Home) and HTD (Home to Duty) often leave a shortfall
  • Consider using a specialist – RIFT’s Armed Forces team know the system inside out and often spot claimable costs DIY claimants miss 

Why choose RIFT for your Armed Forces tax refund?

You can make a claim yourself, but thousands of service personnel trust RIFT because we’ve been working on Armed Forces tax rebates for over 25 years. Our specialists understand MOD tax refund application rules, HMRC requirements and the common pitfalls that can slow claims down. 

With RIFT you get: 

✔ Experience you can rely on

Decades of Armed Forces expertise, with every claim handled by specialists who know JSP 752 – the MOD’s rulebook for allowances and expenses – and MOD allowances inside out. 

✔ Compliance first

HMRC has warned against invalid claims in the military space. We make sure every claim is backed by proper evidence, dates and orders. 

✔ Proven results

The average Armed Forces refund is around £3,250, with most payouts landing in just 6–8 weeks. 

✔ Trusted by thousands

We have a Trustpilot rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on almost 10,000 reviews. 

✔ Clear and transparent fees

No hidden costs, no surprises. 

✔ Extra value

Our team often spots claimable costs that DIY claimants or low-cost competitors miss, which could mean a higher refund for you. 

✔ Our guarantee

You’ll get our unique RIFT Guarantee when you claim your military tax rebate with us, which protects more of your money from the taxman. 

At RIFT, we live by our promise: Tax Refunds Made Easy. That means no stress and no paperwork battles. Just your money back where it belongs. 

Get started with your military tax refund today

Claiming a military tax rebate is worth the effort. And with RIFT, it’s easier than you might think. Every year, thousands of service personnel and veterans miss out because they don’t realise what they’re owed, or they assume the MOD has already covered everything. 

The truth is, if you’ve spent your own money on travel, mess dress, or other duty expenses, you may well be due a refund. 

The key is acting quickly. Once a tax year expires, that money is gone for good. Right now, you can still claim back for 2021/22 through to 2024/25, but if you wait until April 2026, the 2021/22 year will be lost forever. 

With RIFT, you get 25 years of Armed Forces expertise, complete compliance with HMRC and a stress-free process from start to finish. We handle the paperwork, chase HMRC and fight your corner, so you can relax and wait for your money to land. 

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Military tax rebate FAQs

Can I claim as a reservist?

Yes. Many reservists don’t realise they’re eligible, but travel for training, annual camp, or duty often qualifies for tax relief, especially when MOD allowances don’t cover the full cost. 

Can I backdate my claim?

Yes, up to four tax years. You can claim for 2021/22 through to 2024/25 until April 2026. The 2020/21 year expired in April 2025, so you can’t claim for it anymore. 

Do I need payslips or assignment orders?

They’re the strongest evidence for your claim, but if you’re missing paperwork you can often reconstruct records. For example, mileage can be worked out from assignment orders and rosters, while bank statements can back up travel costs.

Is it safe to use RIFT?

Absolutely. We’ve specialised in Armed Forces tax refunds for over 25 years, and our process is fully HMRC-compliant. We have thousands of successful claims, transparent fees and a Trustpilot rating of 4.8 out of 5 after almost 10,000 reviews. 

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What if I can’t find my assignment orders?

Don’t panic. You can request copies from your unit admin or JPAC (Joint Personnel Administration Centre, which handles HR and pay records for the Armed Forces), or use rosters and other service records as fallback evidence. HMRC will often accept reasonable reconstructions if they’re consistent and credible. 

Do Scottish or Welsh tax codes affect refunds?

The rates of tax may differ, but the rules on claiming military expenses are the same across the UK. If your expenses meet HMRC’s criteria, you can still claim. 

What happens if HMRC checks my claim?

It’s normal for HMRC to request extra information. As long as your claim is backed up with logs, receipts, and assignment details, it should go through smoothly. At RIFT, we handle correspondence with HMRC for you, so you’re never left dealing with it alone. 

RIFT’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer, Rebecca Davies, says:

At RIFT, many of our Armed Forces teams come from military backgrounds, myself included. We understand the unique challenges of the Armed Forces life, and know the demands it places on you. The rules around Armed Forces tax refund claims are complex in places, but our specialist understanding of them is always up to date and to the letter. We know your time is valuable, so we’re here for you all year round, whenever you need us.

If you’ve been shelling out travelling to your base or for other military expenses, you’re entitled to make a military tax refund claim. And at RIFT, we’re here to help you every step of the way to maximise your tax rebate.

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