Can Security Workers Claim a Mileage Tax Rebate?
Security Officers can successfully claim mileage tax relief for journeys they are required to make in their own vehicle to ‘temporary work locations’.
If your work mileage qualifies you could be entitled to substantial tax relief through HMRC’s mileage allowance scheme.
As a security officer traveling between different sites or temporary workplaces, you can claim up to 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25p thereafter—money that rightfully belongs in your pocket.
Understanding your eligibility for this tax rebate is essential, particularly if you’re assigned to multiple locations or temporary workplaces for less than 24 months.
Beyond just mileage, you may also qualify for additional tax relief on expenses like your SIA license fee and protective equipment.
Browse through our popular FAQs below to learn exactly how to document your journeys, calculate your potential savings, and submit your claim correctly to HMRC—ensuring you receive every penny you’re entitled to.
Am I eligible for a mileage tax rebate as a security worker?
Yes, security professionals can claim mileage tax rebates if you use your personal vehicle to travel to temporary workplaces.
A temporary workplace is any location where you’re expected to work for less than 24 months. This commonly applies to security officers who:
- Travel between different client sites.
- Work at relief positions covering multiple locations.
- Attend training at locations other than your regular workplace.
- Travel to temporary security assignments.
It’s important to note that regular commuting between your home and a permanent workplace doesn’t qualify.
However, if you’re a mobile security officer without a fixed base, or if you travel directly from home to different client sites, these journeys may be eligible.
HMRC recognises the mobile nature of many security roles, making this rebate particularly relevant for the industry.
What do I need to successfully claim a mileage tax rebate?
Maintaining thorough records is essential for a successful mileage tax rebate claim. You should keep:
- A detailed mileage log showing dates of all work-related journeys.
- Addresses of start and end locations for each journey.
- The exact distance traveled for each trip (using a reliable method like Google Maps).
- Purpose of each journey (e.g., “covering shift at client site,” “attending training”).
- Vehicle information including registration number.
- Fuel receipts (while not mandatory, these strengthen your claim).
HMRC doesn’t specify a particular format for these records, but they must be accurate and verifiable.
Security professionals should consider using mileage tracking apps or simple spreadsheets.
Keep all documentation for at least 22 months from the end of the tax year you’re claiming for, as HMRC may request evidence to support your claim.
Without proper records, your claim is likely to be rejected.
How do I actually submit my mileage tax rebate claim to HMRC?
Submitting your mileage tax rebate claim involves choosing the correct process.
Many security workers find their claims fall under the £2,500 threshold, making the online iForm or P87 the most common routes.
For claims under £2,500:
- To submit online: Complete the HMRC iForm through your Government Gateway account.
- To submit by post: Download and complete the P87 form.
- Provide your employer details, job title, and industry (security).
- Enter the tax year you’re claiming for (you can claim for the current tax year and up to 4 previous tax years).
- Detail your mileage, calculating the total amount using HMRC’s approved rates (45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles, then 25p per mile thereafter).
- Subtract any allowances already paid by your employer.
- Submit the form and wait for HMRC’s response (typically 8-12 weeks).
For claims over £2,500, you’ll need to register for self assessment and include the claim on your tax return.
If you’re unsure about the process, HMRC’s helpline can provide guidance specific to your situation.
How much is a security workers tax rebate worth?
The financial benefits of claiming a mileage tax rebate can be substantial for security professionals who frequently travel between sites.
The exact amount depends on your specific circumstances, but here’s what you can expect:
HMRC allows you to claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25p per mile thereafter for car travel.
For a security officer traveling 5,000 work miles annually, this could mean a potential tax relief of £2,250 (5,000 × 45p). If you’re a basic rate taxpayer (20%), this translates to approximately £450 back in your pocket each year.
If your employer already pays you a mileage allowance but at a lower rate than HMRC’s approved amount, you can claim the difference.
For example, if your security company pays 25p per mile, you can still claim the remaining 20p per mile from HMRC.
Remember that you can claim retrospectively for up to four tax years, potentially resulting in a significant one-time payment if this is your first claim.
Many security workers find this rebate particularly valuable given the extensive travel often required between different security sites.
Our mileage tax rebate calculator can help you work out some estimates of what you might be owed back.
Can I claim for my SIA licence and uniform?
Employment in the security sector typically requires expenditure beyond mileage costs.
Security workers may claim tax relief for:
- Security certification costs (SIA badge).
- Your CCTV monitoring qualification and licence.
- £60 per year uniform maintenance and laundering fixed allowance (no receipt evidence required).
- Food and drink expenses (aka subsistence) whilst working at temporary locations.
- Educational and development costs (when essential for current position).
It is essential to maintain detailed documentation and receipts for any claimable travel expenses.
Ensuring comprehensive record-keeping to validate your expenditure is crucial, as insufficient evidence could result in your claim being denied.
I work for multiple security companies. How does this affect my claim?
You can claim expenses across multiple employers. Ensure you:
- List all relevant employers on your claim.
- Specify expenses relevant to each employment.
- Don’t duplicate claims for the same expense.
- Provide PAYE tax reference numbers for all employers.
Check your tax code after your claim
After a successful security tax claim HMRC will usually increase your tax free personal allowance and your tax code.
This updated code reflects the additional allowances and reliefs HMRC has agreed to give you.
It is worth checking your tax code to ensure it is accurate and reflects all of your allowances and reliefs correctly.
The reduced tax liability continues as long as you remain eligible for the expenses and meet the qualifying criteria for security worker specific tax relief.
Common misconceptions about mileage tax rebates for security industry workers
Some misconceptions prevent security professionals from claiming their rightful mileage tax rebates:
Misconception 1: “I can’t claim if my employer already pays me something for mileage.”
Reality: You can claim the difference between what your employer pays and HMRC’s approved rates (45p/25p per mile).
Misconception 2: “Travel between different security sites isn’t eligible.”
Reality: Travel between different workplaces during your working day is specifically eligible for mileage claims as long as HMRC criteria is met.
Misconception 3: “The claiming process is too complicated and not worth the effort.”
Reality: The P87 or iForm are quite straightforward, and the potential rebate often amounts to hundreds of pounds (or more) annually.
Misconception 4: “I can only claim for the current tax year.”
Reality: You can claim retrospectively for up to four previous tax years, potentially resulting in a substantial rebate if you’ve never claimed before.
Some security professionals miss out on this valuable tax relief due to these misunderstandings.
The claiming process is designed to be accessible, and the financial benefits can make a meaningful difference to security workers who use their own vehicles for work purposes.
