Uniformed workers missing out on HMRC tax relief as £142 million unclaimed | Personal Finance | Finance
Uniformed workers should check now to see if they’re eligible (Image: Getty)
Uniformed workers could be sitting on up to £142 million in unclaimed tax reliefUniformed workers could be sitting on up to £142 million in unclaimed tax relief from this year alone – just for washing their clothes.
HMRC offers those who have to wash, maintain, or repair uniforms or tools required for their jobs tax relief, either as a flat-rate expense or the actual cost if they can show receipts.
The minimum these workers can claim is £60, meaning a basic rate taxpayer applying for this would receive £12 tax relief annually. If the estimated 12 million UK workers who wear a uniform all claimed this amount, it would total up to £142m.Some professionals can request much more than this, and the amounts can also be rebated for four additional years.
A uniform is classified as a set of clothing that identifies you as having a certain occupation, for example nurse, or police officer. You may also be able to claim for specialist clothing you need for work, even if it does not identify you as having a certain occupation, for example overalls or safety boots.
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The tax relief covers any money spent on clothing or tools, from a regular wash to getting it professionally cleaned, to repairing or replacing items.
Research commissioned by Utilita of 1,000 workers who wear a recognisable uniform or protective clothing as part of their job, as part of its award-winning High5 campaign, found 40% remain unaware of this scheme. Many were unaware they were eligible and others were unsure on how to make a claim.
A Utilita spokesperson said: “Even the smallest ways to help save you money on the necessities you need to do your job can make a big difference in the long run.”
You can even claim back if you’re required to wear specialist clothing (Image: Getty)
Common workplace rules for uniforms included always being free from stains or marks, ironed and without creases, and kept in like-new condition.
As a result, 48% needed to replace their clothes or gear at least a few times during a 12-month period. They will also need to repair it twice in the same timeframe and 27% are required by their employers to wash it after every single use.
This leads to average expenses of £81 per year on general maintenance, as the average uniformed worker will spend £32 per year washing it, £18 making necessary repairs, and £31 on having to replace it altogether.
To save money workers try to always fully load the washing machine before putting it on a cycle (34%).“Simple tips when using your washing machine, like using a lower heat and always making sure it’s fully loaded, can help both the planet and your wallet,” added the Utilita spokesperson.
“And while you’re watching your clothes swirl around, also remember that the money you’ve spent cleaning them can be put right back in your pocket at the end of the financial year.”
