How to Claim Tax Relief on Workwear in the UK (and What Qualifies)
How to Claim Tax Relief on Workwear in the UK (and What Qualifies)
Can You Claim Tax Relief on Workwear?
Yes — if you’ve paid for your own uniform or protective clothing that you must wear for work and can’t use as everyday clothing, you may be able to claim back tax from HMRC.
This applies to many employees and self-employed workers — from builders and engineers to carers, warehouse staff, and drivers.
What Qualifies as Workwear?
HMRC recognises two main types:
Branded Uniforms: Clothing that clearly shows your employer’s logo or company name (like embroidered polos or jackets).
Protective Clothing: Items you need to stay safe at work — hi-viz vests, gloves, steel-toe boots, overalls, PPE.
If your clothing fits either of these categories and you pay for it yourself (or pay for its upkeep), you can usually claim.
What Doesn’t Qualify
Everyday clothes, even if you wear them to work, aren’t eligible. For example, jeans and plain T-shirts don’t count — unless they’re branded or protective.
How Much Can You Claim?
The amount depends on your profession and how long you’ve been paying for or maintaining your workwear.
HMRC offers a flat-rate expense allowance — typically between £60 and £140 per year — though some sectors can claim more.
For example:
Construction workers: up to £120/year
Electricians: up to £80/year
Healthcare staff: £60–£125/year depending on role
You can also backdate your claim for up to 4 previous tax years — so it’s worth checking!
How to Claim Your Tax Relief
1️⃣ Visit gov.uk/paye-uniform-tax-rebate
2️⃣ Complete the form (you’ll need your National Insurance number)
3️⃣ HMRC will adjust your tax code or issue a refund
Self-employed? You can claim your uniform costs as an allowable expense on your Self-Assessment return.
What Evidence Should You Keep?
Keep receipts or order confirmations for your embroidered or printed workwear, plus any invoices showing you paid directly.
If you purchased from Hamiltons Embroidery, these count as valid proof for HMRC.
Why This Matters
Claiming your tax relief ensures you’re not out of pocket for essential clothing required to do your job. It’s quick, simple, and can add up to over £200 if backdated for several years.
Need New Workwear First?
If your current gear has seen better days, our Workwear Packages make it easy to stay compliant, professional, and ready for anything — all custom-branded and embroidered in-house.
