If you wear a uniform for work and are responsible for cleaning it yourself, you may be entitled to claim a tax refund through the HMRC uniform laundry allowance.
Many UK workers are unaware they could be missing out on annual tax relief just for washing their own workwear. Whether you’re in healthcare, transport, or hospitality, the rules for claiming are quite specific but easy to follow.
This guide will help you understand what you’re entitled to and how to make your claim without unnecessary complications.
What Is the HMRC Uniform Laundry Allowance and How Does It Work?
The HMRC uniform laundry allowance is a form of tax relief designed to reimburse workers who pay out of pocket to clean their work uniforms. If you’re required to wear a recognisable uniform that is exclusive to your job role and you clean it at your own expense, you may qualify for this benefit.
Most eligible workers claim using HMRC’s flat rate expense system. This fixed annual rate is currently £60 for many jobs, translating to a £12 refund for basic rate taxpayers and £24 for higher-rate taxpayers. The allowance doesn’t require you to provide receipts unless you’re claiming actual expenses.
- It’s applicable whether you’re paid weekly or monthly
- Applies only if your employer doesn’t already offer a free laundry service
- Covers cleaning, but not the purchase of uniforms
This allowance helps reduce your taxable income, ultimately leading to a higher take-home pay.
Who Is Eligible to Claim Tax Relief for Washing Uniforms?
Not every worker who wears a uniform is automatically eligible. HMRC has strict criteria regarding who can and cannot claim the uniform laundry allowance.
To be eligible, you must:
- Wear a uniform that is recognisable and specific to your role (e.g. a nurse’s tunic or a branded security uniform)
- Wash, repair or replace it at your own expense
- Not be provided with a free laundry service by your employer
- Be a UK taxpayer during the year you’re claiming for
You may qualify if you’re in one of the following roles:
- Nurses, healthcare assistants, and hospital staff
- Police officers and security guards
- Construction workers wearing PPE
- Transport and railway staff
- Airline crew and pilots
- Hospitality staff with identifiable uniforms
You cannot claim if:
- You wear generic clothing with just a badge pinned on
- Your employer offers a free laundry service and you choose not to use it
- You’re claiming for the cost of buying the uniform (initial purchase is excluded)
Being self-employed doesn’t automatically exclude you either, but the way you claim is slightly different and depends on your business expenses.
Can You Claim If You’re Self-Employed or an Employee?
Whether you’re self-employed or employed, HMRC does allow you to claim for laundry expenses related to your uniform. However, the process differs based on your employment status.
- If you are an employee, you can claim the flat-rate tax relief without needing to show receipts, unless you claim actual costs. You do this via the P87 form or your HMRC online account.
- If you are self-employed, laundry expenses fall under allowable business expenses. You must keep evidence of your spending and include the amount in your Self Assessment tax return. If you don’t have receipts, you can make reasonable estimates, but they should be justifiable.
In both cases, the clothing must be worn only for work, and you must bear the cleaning cost yourself.
How Much Can You Claim for Washing Uniform?
The standard flat rate HMRC offers is £60 per year for most employees. This translates to £12 for basic rate taxpayers and £24 for those in a higher tax bracket. However, your industry may entitle you to a higher claim amount.
If you’ve incurred laundry expenses greater than your industry’s flat rate, and you have receipts, you can opt to claim the actual amount spent instead. Keep in mind, actual cost claims require submission by post and valid documentation.
What Are the Flat Rate Expenses for Different Jobs?
Flat rate expenses vary across professions based on expected uniform maintenance costs. These rates are pre-agreed with HMRC and help simplify the claims process.
Here’s a table showing sample flat-rate expenses for selected job roles:
| Industry / Job Role | Annual Allowance (£) |
| Nurses and healthcare assistants | 125 |
| Ambulance staff | 185 |
| Airline pilots and flight deck crew | 1,022 |
| Armed Forces (Army, RAF, Marines) | 100 |
| Uniformed fire service personnel | 80 |
| Construction workers (e.g. welders, fitters) | 140 |
| Uniformed police officers | 140 |
| NHS catering and domestic staff | 125 |
| Mechanics and motor engineers | 120 |
These flat rates are deducted from your taxable income, lowering your overall tax liability.
Can You Claim More Than the Standard £60?
Yes, you can claim more than the standard £60 if your job is listed under HMRC’s higher flat-rate expense categories or if your actual laundry expenses exceed your allowed rate. To do this, you must have receipts and file your claim by post.
If you work in a role where uniform cleaning costs are unusually high or require professional services like dry cleaning, the standard allowance may not be enough. In these cases, you’re permitted to claim actual expenses, but this route involves more documentation.
Employees claiming actual costs must fill out the postal version of the P87 form and attach proof for each tax year. HMRC reviews these claims more closely, so accuracy and honest reporting are key.
How Do You Claim the HMRC Laundry Allowance?
Claiming the HMRC uniform laundry allowance is straightforward, but the method depends on whether you’re employed or self-employed.
For Employees:
You can claim by either:
- Using your HMRC online account and completing the P87 form
- Printing the P87 form and sending it via post
When submitting online or by post:
- Choose either the flat rate (no receipts required)
- Or the actual cost method (receipts are necessary)
- Enter the relevant tax year(s) you’re claiming for
- Use the section “Uniform, work clothing and tools”
If you choose to claim more than the standard rate, ensure your receipts are clear, dated, and specific to work-related laundering. You’ll need one form per tax year when applying by post.
For Self-Employed Individuals:
- Include the laundry costs in your Self Assessment tax return
- Categorise them under allowable business expenses
- Retain your receipts or keep an accurate log of costs
Whether online or by post, HMRC will process your claim and either adjust your tax code or issue a tax refund. Most refunds are paid directly into your bank account.
What Can You Claim for Besides Washing Uniforms?
HMRC allows tax relief not just for washing uniforms, but also for other specific work-related expenses, provided they meet the required criteria.
You may claim for:
- Repairs or replacements of specialist clothing
- Certain tools needed for your job
- Uniforms that clearly identify your role
You cannot claim for:
- Everyday clothing, even if worn for work
- PPE (employer must provide it)
- The initial purchase of your work uniform
Here’s a breakdown:
| Claimable Items | Not Claimable Items |
| Cleaning company-branded uniforms | Casual clothes worn to work |
| Replacing worn safety boots | Initial purchase of any uniform |
| Fixing damaged overalls | PPE if employer provides or reimburses it |
| Small job-specific tools (e.g. scissors) | Fashionable clothing used in a job |
Understanding these categories prevents claim rejections and ensures compliance with HMRC rules.
Can You Backdate a Uniform Tax Relief Claim?
Yes, HMRC allows you to backdate your claim for uniform tax relief by up to four previous tax years, plus the current one. This means you can potentially claim for five years in total, increasing your refund significantly.
To do this:
- Use separate P87 forms for each tax year you’re claiming
- Provide accurate job details and employment dates
- Submit receipts if you’re claiming actual expenses
Once your claim is approved, you may receive a lump sum refund. For the current and future tax years, HMRC will adjust your tax code, allowing you to receive the relief automatically in your salary.
Your tax code remains updated as long as you stay in the same job. If you change roles or employers, you may need to submit a new claim.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Claiming?
Making an incorrect claim can delay your refund or result in HMRC rejecting your application altogether. It’s crucial to avoid these common errors:
- Claiming when your employer already provides laundry services
- Submitting claims for everyday clothing instead of work-specific uniforms
- Failing to provide receipts when claiming actual costs
- Claiming for the purchase of uniforms rather than maintenance
Additional errors to avoid include:
- Using the wrong tax year or job description
- Not including all relevant job roles (if you have multiple)
- Forgetting to update your tax code after changing jobs
Tips for a smooth claim:
- Always double-check HMRC’s list of eligible flat rate expenses
- If unsure, use HMRC’s claim checker tool
- Keep copies of all submitted forms and receipts
Being diligent ensures your claim is processed quickly and accurately, saving you time and maximising your refund potential.
Can You Still Claim If Your Employer Offers Laundry Services?
You cannot claim the HMRC uniform laundry allowance if your employer provides a free laundry service, even if you choose not to use it. HMRC considers the availability of the service sufficient to cover your laundry needs.
For example, if your employer offers free laundering at the workplace and you prefer to wash your uniform at home, you are not eligible to claim.
If your employer pays a separate laundry allowance, you may only claim the difference between their allowance and HMRC’s flat rate, if applicable.
Always review your employment contract or HR policy before submitting a claim. If you are unsure whether a laundry service is provided, check with your line manager or HR department. Claiming ineligible expenses could result in penalties or delays in processing.
Conclusion
Claiming the HMRC uniform laundry allowance is a simple but often overlooked way to reduce your tax bill. Whether you’re a nurse, engineer, or security staff member, if you’re responsible for cleaning your own uniform, you could be eligible for annual tax relief.
Knowing how much you can claim, how to apply, and what mistakes to avoid will save you time and ensure you don’t miss out.
Make sure to check your industry’s flat rate or calculate your actual expenses if they’re higher. Start your claim today to take advantage of this allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to wear a branded uniform to qualify for HMRC laundry relief?
Yes, your uniform must clearly identify your job or employer. Generic or everyday clothing doesn’t qualify.
How often can you make a uniform laundry claim?
You can make a claim every tax year, either using the flat rate or actual expenses method.
Is there a deadline to submit your uniform tax rebate?
Yes, you can backdate claims for up to four previous tax years, so don’t delay too long.
Can I still claim if I changed jobs recently?
Yes, as long as you met the criteria in your previous job and paid to launder your uniform.
What happens if HMRC rejects my claim?
You’ll receive a notification explaining why, and you may revise and resubmit your application with the correct details.
Do I have to renew my claim every tax year?
Yes, claims should be made annually unless HMRC adjusts your tax code to include the allowance automatically.
Can I claim for multiple job roles if they all require uniforms?
Yes, you can claim for each qualifying role, provided the uniforms and cleaning costs are separate and eligible.
