Flat rate expenses can help you by putting more money back in your pocket each year by paying less tax. A flat rate expense also makes it easier to get your tax back, because you don’t have to keep receipts for your job expenses. If You make a claim you can claim back £100’s in tax relief, and pay less tax in the future by a flat rate deduction being put into your tax code.
Flat rate expenses claim for specialist clothing and tools
If you spend money on tools or specialist clothing that are required for your job, and your employer doesn’t reimburse you the costs, you may be eligible for tax relief.
Even if you’ve never claimed this expense before, you can go back four years for specialist tools and clothing tax rebates.
Can I claim a flat rate expenses for specialist clothing and tools?
Clothing:
A flat rate expense for uniform cleaning can be claimed in many cases. For example, a uniform tax refund can be claimed for:
- Protective clothing, such as for the building trade
- Uniforms, such as for firefighters or nurses
- Clothing your employer requires you to wear, that you must pay for yourself
The initial cost of buying specialist clothing is not eligible for tax relief. However, if you are responsible for the costs of cleaning, repairing, or replacing your specialist clothing, then you are entitled to relief.
Tools:
If you are required to buy tools you need for your job, using your own money, then you are eligible to claim a flat rate job expense for the purchase cost of the tools, as well as the cost of maintaining and replacing your tools.
How much are flat rate job expenses worth?
Flat rate expenses, also referred to as flat rate deductions, are predetermined allowances that have been set by the tax office. The amount you can claim varies and depends on your industry and job title.
There is a long list of agreed FRE amounts for many industries. If your industry isn’t listed you can still claim a standard flat rate job expense of £60 per tax year.
How do I make a flat rate expenses claim?
You can find out more about what else you can claim back from the tax office and how to submit your claim in our free tax relief for expenses of employment guide.
