Wash your uniform at home ?

Lugh_Chronain

As a general rule an employee can't get tax relief for the cost of clothing they wear to work - but there are some exceptions. For example, if you work in a sector like the building trade or the metal working industry you'll have to wear protective clothing like:

• overalls
• gloves
• boots
• helmets

If you must pay for this yourself and your employer doesn't reimburse you, then you are entitled to tax relief for the cost. You can also deduct from your taxable income the cost of repairing, cleaning and replacing this type of specialist clothing.


You are also entitled to tax relief if you have to buy - out of your own money - the tools you need to be able to do your work. For example, if you're a hairdresser your employer might require you to provide your own scissors. The tax relief also applies to the cost of maintaining and replacing the tools.

You can get tax relief on the cost of a uniform if:

• it's a recognisable uniform that shows you've got a certain sort of job - like a nurse or police uniform
• your employer requires you to wear it while you're working
• you've got to pay for it yourself

The tax relief also covers the cost of cleaning, repairing or replacing the uniform. You might also be entitled to tax relief for the cost of cleaning a uniform that your employer provides if you've got to pay for this yourself.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/relief-tools.htm

want2bmortgage3

i have worked at royal mail for nearly 2 years and i wash my own uniform, can i claim anything??

Lugh_Chronain

Yes your entitled to tax relief for the cost of washing your own uniform. Have a look at my previous post also.

Your tax office will ask for your P60 too so it might be a good idea to send this with the letter you send them. Make sure you specify to ask for this back as well.

I guess you also buy your shoes for work too so maybe you could try claiming for this too. You might want to call your tax office for more info as you might need to send receipts for proof of purchase.

Dial the +44 number, just add a zero. I don't need to tell you this do I.

Make sure you input your tax reference number eg 123/AB45678 when searching for your tax office as I noticed that entering your postcode brings up the wrong office details. This can be found at the top of your payslip, it'll be in the same column as your tax code, etc.

fengirl_2

Royal Mail employees have a fixed rate expense allowance - also designed to cover wear and tear on shoes.

Lugh_Chronain

What category do Royal Mail employees come under? I don't seem to be able to spot this. My Brother works for Royal Mail, I'll tell him about the expenses allowance once I find out.

fengirl_2

They are locally agreed allowances - his local union rep should be able to tell him.

want2bmortgage3

i am going to call the tax office which is in scotland somewhere to confirm the amount i can claim and exactly what i need to do... the template letter at the start of the thread doesnt mention the amount i can claim, which i believe varies depending on your job??

TM1976

If you aren't in one of the special employment listed but you still wear a uniform you can claim £60 for 08/09 onwards and £45 for each of the 5 preceding years.

You don't get this amount just the tax you paid on it, likely to be 20% of that amount, but you have to have paid tax in the first place.

If you want an estimate of the amount you can find a calculator here: https://www.uniformtaxrebate.co.uk/calculator/default.aspx

notlongnow_2

I work for the NHS and have never claimed a penny to launder my uniforms. How do I find out the address of the Tax office?

I also believe there is a 'shoes and tights' allowance available for NHS staff that can be claimed, and also I think there is another allowance for books for research.

fengirl_2

You dont need to mention the amount of your claim if you come under the trades ilisted - HMRC has access to the list in the same way as we do.
Yes, look at the list and you will see medical and nursing staff on it.
I can't beleive this thread is still going - we are replying to the same questions over and over! Any chance of a sticky?