At Red we supply lots of people and companies with uniform. Did you know that you should be able to claim tax relief on your unifrom as long as ALL of the following 4 statements apply:
1. You wear a recognisable uniform that shows you’ve got a certain job, like a branded T-shirt or uniform.
2. You are required by your employer to wear it while you’re working.
3. You have to pay to clean, repair or replace it yourself.
4. You paid income tax in the year you are claiming for.
The amount that you are permitted to claim tax relief on is depentant on your industry. The standard allowance for spending on uniform maintenance is £60 (for 2012/13) – so basic rate taxpayers would be able to claim £12 back (20% of £60) and higher rate payers £24 (40% of £60). The £60 is a flat rate, so you don’t need to record and report all the individual amounts you spend.
It is possible to claim upto four previous years – plus the current year – if you’ve been wearing the uniform all that time. Bear in mind that before April 2008 the flat rate was £45 per year.
Once you’re registered, you’ll be taxed less in future too.
Some occupations have more specific limits, often to do with specialist uniforms, with the maximum allowance of £140. A higher rate taxpayer would get back £56 tax on that for each year they claim on.
The only way you can get more than the standard payment is to prove that your annual uniform laundry bill is higher. Speak to the tax office if you want to do this as it’s a little more complicated.