Uniform Tax Rebate Calculator (HMRC flat rates)
If you wear a recognisable uniform or protective clothing for work and wash or repair it yourself, HMRC gives a fixed tax relief (flat-rate expense) — no receipts needed. The standard amount for many jobs is £60 a year, worth £12 to a basic-rate taxpayer, and more to higher earners.
Select the years you wore the uniform and the relief is worked out at your marginal rate for each year.
Who qualifies for uniform tax relief
- You must wear a recognisable uniform, branded clothing or protective/specialist clothing for your job.
- You wash, repair or replace it yourself — your employer doesn't launder it or repay the cost.
- You paid income tax in the years you're claiming for (relief is the tax on the allowance).
- Everyday clothes worn to work don't count — even if there's a dress code.
Flat rates by occupation
HMRC agrees industry-specific flat rates with unions and employers, so no receipts are needed. The standard rate where nothing specific exists is £60 a year. Higher agreed rates include (examples): £125 for nurses and midwives, £185 for ambulance staff, £100 for many healthcare roles, £80 for some catering staff, and £120 a year for many vehicle mechanics via the tools allowance. The full occupation list is maintained on GOV.UK and linked above.
Because relief is the tax on the allowance, the cash you receive is 20% (basic rate), 40% (higher rate) or 41–47% (Scottish rates) of the flat rate — £60 is worth £12 at basic rate, per year.
Claiming for earlier years
You can claim up to four tax years back — and you should check every year, because most people discover this relief years late. One P87 claim can cover all open years at once. After a successful claim HMRC usually builds the relief into your tax code, so later years arrive automatically on your payslip.
What this estimate can't tell you
- Your employer must not already repay the cost.
- The relief is the tax on the allowance, not the allowance itself — £60 of relief means about £12 back at 20%.
- Some occupations have higher official flat rates; the HMRC list is linked below.
The free HMRC route
Everything this calculator estimates can be claimed directly from HMRC at no cost — usually online in a few minutes or via a short form. Refund companies charge a percentage of money that is already yours. We never handle claims and are not affiliated with HMRC.