Uniform allowance

flossy_splodge

Can someone please tell me in words of one syllable, do you have to BUY your own uniform to claim the allowance or if you launder it, is that enough?

I've searched the article on here but it is not absolutely clear if the conditions are mutually INCLUSIVE or not?

Help please.

Thank you.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

flossy_splodge said:

Can someone please tell me in words of one syllable, do you have to BUY your own uniform to claim the allowance or if you launder it, is that enough?

I've searched the article on here but it is not absolutely clear if the conditions are mutually INCLUSIVE or not?

Help please.

Thank you.

No.  You don't have to have purchased it.  In fact I would think it's fairly unusual for anyone to have done so.

baser999

And for tax purposes, you’ll likely find there’s a flat rate you can claim, regardless of the amount you actually incur on laundry etc. If I recall correctly, in my day, such flat rates were agreed between HMRC and the unions

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/job-expenses-for-uniforms-work-clothing-and-tools

Andy_L

hadid21 said:

You can buy yourself a uniform to use at work later. I don't really understand how having a uniform is supposed to give you an allowance. Maybe it is a certain condition of some companies that I haven't heard of.

If you're expected to clean it at your own expense it is tax deductible &, rather than having you to itemise how much Persil you use per year, HMRC just give out a flat rate

sheramber

hadid21 said:

You can buy yourself a uniform to use at work later. I don't really understand how having a uniform is supposed to give you an allowance. Maybe it is a certain condition of some companies that I haven't heard of.

the uniform has to be branded and not clothes that would be worn out with of work situations. 

e.g A new suit to wear at work would not count as you could wear it anytime.  

But if your employer supplied a suit with their initials on  the pocket , or a blazer with their name or initials on it , or an anorak for outside work,  with their name on it you could claim the flat rate allowance for laundering it.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

though, you don't save £60,

The standard flat-rate expense allowance for uniform maintenance is £60. By claiming a uniform tax refund, you'll get back the amount of tax you would otherwise have paid on that £60. So if you're a basic-rate taxpayer, you'll get 20% of £60 as a rebate – which is £12.