Overview

You might be able to claim tax relief if:

  • you use your own money for things that you must buy for your job
  • you only use these things for your work

You cannot claim tax relief if your employer either gives you:

  • all the money back
  • an alternative, for example your employer gives you a laptop but you want a different type or model

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You must have paid tax in the year you’re claiming for. You’ll get tax relief based on what you’ve spent and the rate at which you pay tax.

Example
If you spent £60 and pay tax at a rate of 20% in that year, the tax relief you can claim is £12 (20% of £60).

For some claims, you must keep records of what you’ve spent.

You can claim for this tax year and the 4 previous tax years.

If your claim is for the current tax year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will usually adjust your tax code so you pay less tax.

If your claim is for previous tax years, HMRC will either adjust your tax code or give you a tax refund.

How to claim

Find out how to claim tax relief:

If you’re eligible, you’ll be able to claim either:

  • online
  • by post, using a P87 form

If you complete a Self Assessment tax return, you must claim through your tax return instead.