Claim tax relief for job expenses for the last 4 tax years

If you pay for things you need for your job, such as uniforms, tools or professional fees, you can claim tax relief. You can claim for the current tax year and the 4 previous tax years.

Deadline

No fixed deadline

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 20 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? Each year you wait, the oldest tax year drops out of the 4-year window and you lose that claim.

Employees can claim tax relief on money they spend on things they must buy for their job and only use for work. You cannot claim if your employer pays you back in full. For past years HMRC gives you a refund; for the current year it usually adjusts your tax code.

How to do it

1. List what you paid for yourself: uniform washing, tools, professional fees, work travel or vehicle costs.
2. Find out whether your job has a flat rate expense. If so, you do not need receipts.
3. Claim online on GOV.UK for the current tax year and up to 4 previous tax years. You can also use a postal form.
4. If you send a Self Assessment tax return, claim on your return instead.
5. Keep receipts for actual costs.

Common questions

How far back can I claim tax relief for uniforms or tools?

For the current tax year and the 4 previous tax years.

Can I claim tax relief for working from home?

Only if you have to work from home, not by choice. GOV.UK says you cannot claim it for the tax year 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027, but you can claim for earlier eligible years.

How much will I get back?

It depends on what you spent and your tax. The relief cannot be more than the tax you paid that year.

Official source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.