How to claim tax relief on work expenses (P87)
Claim tax back directly from HMRC for things you pay for yourself to do your job – like washing a work uniform – for free, without using a refund company.
- Time
- 15–20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your National Insurance number
- Your employer's name and PAYE reference (on your payslip or P60)
- Receipts or details of what you spent
- Government Gateway / GOV.UK sign-in
Safety first
- Working from home relief: from 6 April 2026 you can no longer claim it for new tax years, though you can still claim for eligible earlier years if your employer required you to work from home (not if you chose to).
- Refund companies will happily do this for you but take a cut of your refund. Claiming directly with HMRC is free and straightforward.
- Be wary of texts or emails saying you're 'due a tax refund' – HMRC doesn't send refund notices that way with links.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check you can claim
You can claim relief if you pay for things you must buy for your job and only use for work – for example cleaning or repairing a uniform, protective clothing, tools, professional fees, or using your own vehicle for work trips. You can't claim if your employer pays you back or provides the item, and you must have paid tax in that year.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Know what you'll get back
You get back the tax on the expense, not the full amount. For example, a basic-rate (20%) taxpayer who claims the standard £60 uniform-washing flat rate gets £12 a year.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Use flat rates where they apply
For uniforms and work clothing, you can claim a flat rate without receipts. Some jobs have higher set amounts; if yours isn't listed, the flat rate is £60 a year.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Claim online through GOV.UK
Go to GOV.UK > Claim tax relief for your job expenses and use the online service. If you can't use it, fill in form P87 and post it, as long as your total expenses are £2,500 or less for each year.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Use Self Assessment if needed
If you complete a Self Assessment tax return, or your expenses are over £2,500, you must claim through your tax return instead.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Claim for earlier years
You can claim for the current tax year and the previous 4 tax years. HMRC usually adjusts your tax code for the current year and gives you a refund or tax code change for earlier years.
Tips
- Keep receipts – HMRC can ask for evidence for anything that isn't a flat rate.
- If what you spend changes, tell HMRC so your tax code stays right.
Questions people ask
Can I claim for travel to my normal workplace?
No – ordinary commuting isn't covered. Travel to a temporary workplace may be.
How long does HMRC take?
It varies; you'll usually see a tax code change or a letter about a refund.
Can I claim for my work mobile or broadband?
Generally only for extra business costs (like business calls), not shared home costs such as broadband or rent.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- GOV.UK: Claim tax relief for your job expenses (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: Uniforms, work clothing and tools – flat rate expenses (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: Tax relief for working at home (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: Claim tax relief for job expenses by post or phone (P87) (gov.uk)
- LITRG (Low Incomes Tax Reform Group): Form P87 (litrg.org.uk)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-claim-tax-relief-on-work-expenses/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.