Am I eligible to make a Tax Claim?
Navigating the complex world of UK tax claims can be daunting, yet understanding how to claim tax back could put thousands of pounds back in your pocket.
In 2025, HMRC continued to give the tax system a modern makeover. They introduced the digital tax service for UK workers and have streamlined the claims process online.
Now, making a tax claim online is easier than ever – you just need to make sure you are claiming everything you can within the best timescale.
Maybe you’re wondering about a tax refund on overpaid income tax. Or perhaps you’re curious about pension relief claims or tax rebates on work expenses. Whatever your situation, knowing what you’re entitled to is key.
Did you know the UK’s personal allowance let’s you earn up to that threshold tax free? And there’s a self employed trading allowance worth £1,000? That’s just the start of what you could use to save on tax.
Understanding tax regulations isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about smart strategies.
It’s about keeping the right paperwork, timing your claims just right, and knowing when to call in the pros for help.
This guide is your friendly companion through the world of UK tax claim requirements the types of expenses you can claim for, and how to navigate the claims process successfully.
What is the PAYE tax claim system?
If you submit a tax claim it is processed through HMRC’s PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system.
HMRC uses it to collect and refund income tax from your employment income.
Your employer calculates and deducts tax from your salary before paying you, based on your tax code.
This system spreads your tax payments throughout the year rather than requiring a lump sum payment.
How do I know if I’m paying the correct amount of tax under PAYE?
Your tax code determines how much tax you pay. Check your payslip, or use the HMRC or your personal tax account to see your current code.
A tax code starts with using the personal allowance for that tax year and can then be reduced or increased for taxable benefits, allowances and reliefs.
After checking your tax code you may be due an automatic refund of tax if the code is inaccurate.
Who is eligible to claim tax relief under PAYE?
Tax relief eligibility rules state you must have paid tax in the year you’re claiming for.
After that it just depends on your specific circumstances on the type of relief you can claim.
For workers You must also have incurred expenses that were necessary for your job, not reimbursed by your employer, and fall within HMRC’s allowable categories.
Most employees can claim if they meet these criteria, regardless of salary level and their tax rate.
Some popular tax claims that aren’t related to work expenses are:
- Gift aid: On qualifying donations you can get relief at the highest rate you pay tax.
- Higher rate pension tax relief: Taxpayers paying tax at the higher rates can claim relief on payments made into a relief at source pension scheme.
- Marriage tax allowance: For spouses and civil partnerships to pay less tax (earning restrictions apply).
Types of expenses to include in your tax claim
Employees on PAYE can claim tax relief for certain work-related expenses.
The key requirement is that these expenses must be incurred “wholly, exclusively and necessarily” in the performance of your duties, and your employer hasn’t already reimbursed you for them.
Common expenses eligible for tax relief include:
- Professional fees and subscriptions to HMRC approved bodies.
- Uniform cleaning and maintenance costs.
- Business travel expenses (not normal commuting).
- Working from home expenses (if required by employer).
- Tools and equipment necessary for your job.
- Mileage in your own vehicle for business travel.
- Overnight expenses for business trips.
Each category has specific rules, allowable amounts and evidence provisions.
If I have multiple jobs, can I claim for expenses from all of them?
Yes, you can claim for qualifying expenses from all employments, but you must keep the claims separate and be clear about which expenses relate to which job.
Each claim must still meet the “wholly, exclusively and necessarily” test for the specific employment it relates to.
What evidence do I need to keep for my tax relief claim?
While not always mandatory, having written confirmation from your employer that expenses were necessary for your job and weren’t reimbursed can strengthen your claim.
As an example for working from home claims, evidence that this was a requirement rather than personal choice is particularly important.
You should keep:
- Receipts for all purchases.
- Bank or credit card statements showing payments.
- Detailed mileage logs for travel claims.
- Employment contracts showing requirements for expenses.
- Evidence that expenses weren’t reimbursed by your employer.
For flat rate allowances (like uniform maintenance), you don’t need to provide receipts.
How long should I keep records for tax purposes?
It’s a good idea to keep all records and evidence for at least 22 months after the end of the tax year for which you’re claiming.
For example, for claims in the 2023/24 tax year (which ended on April 5, 2024), keep records until at least February 2026.
If you post evidence to HMRC maintaining your own copies is best practice.
If you’re registered for self assessment, keep records for at least 5 years after the submission deadline.
How do I submit a tax claim to HMRC?
You have three main options:
- Online service: Use your government gateway account to access HMRC’s online iFORM service for claims under £2,500.
- Form P87: Complete and submit the P87 form either online or by post.
- Self assessment: Include the claim in your tax return if you complete one or if your claim exceeds £2,500.
The online iForm service is generally fastest, with refunds typically processed quicker in comparison to postal versions.
What is the P87 form and when should I use it?
The P87 form is specifically for claiming tax relief on employment expenses. Use it when:
- Your claim is under £2,500 for a single tax year.
- You don’t normally complete a self assessment tax return.
- You prefer not to use the online service.
The form asks for details about your employment, the expenses you’re claiming, and how you calculated the amount.
From October 2024, you must submit evidence with your P87 form for expenses but not flat rate deductions like the washing of uniform allowance.
How will I receive my tax refund?
If your claim is approved, you’ll typically receive your refund in one of three ways:
- Direct bank transfer to your nominated account.
- Cheque sent to your home address.
- Adjustment to your tax code, reducing your tax over the coming year.
For smaller amounts, HMRC often adjusts your tax code rather than making a direct payment.
What happens after I submit my claim?
After submission, HMRC will review your claim and supporting evidence. This process typically takes up to twelve weeks. They may contact you for additional information if needed.
Once approved, you’ll receive notification of the outcome in your personal tax account and/or a P800 letter.
Check the figures shown on your P800 for accuracy and report any issues to HMRC. Ensuring that your P60 details and any allowable expenses are correct is worthwhile.
What if my employer already gives me an allowance for expenses?
If your employer provides an allowance or reimburses you for expenses, you cannot claim tax relief on these amounts.
You can only claim for the portion of expenses that exceeds what your employer has provided, or for entirely different expenses that aren’t covered by your employer’s allowance.
Can my tax code be adjusted for ongoing expenses?
Yes, for regular, ongoing expenses, HMRC can adjust your tax code after your first successful claim. This means you’ll pay less tax each month rather than claiming a refund annually.
Check your tax code to ensure this adjustment has been made – it will typically show as an increase in your tax-free allowance.
Deadlines and Timeframes:
How far back can my tax claim go?
You can claim tax relief for the current tax year and up to four previous tax years.
The deadline is four years from the end of the tax year you’re claiming for. For example, claims for 2021/22 must be submitted by April 5, 2026.
When is the best time to submit my claim?
You can submit claims any time after the relevant tax year ends. Many people find it convenient to claim straight after the tax year ends (after April 5) when they have all their documentation for the year.
What if I miss the deadline for claiming?
If you miss the four-year deadline, unfortunately you lose the right to claim for that tax year.
HMRC rarely makes exceptions to this rule, even if you were unaware you could claim. This is why it’s important to understand your entitlements and keep track of deadlines.
Common Pitfalls and Solutions:
What are the most common reasons for tax claims get rejected?
- Insufficient evidence to support the claim.
- Claiming for expenses that don’t meet the “wholly, exclusively and necessarily” test.
- Claiming for items reimbursed by your employer.
- Missing the four-year deadline.
- Claiming for normal commuting rather than business travel.
- Incorrect completion of forms or online submissions.
Careful preparation and understanding the rules can help avoid these issues.
Can claiming tax relief affect my benefits or tax credits?
Generally, claiming employment expenses tax relief doesn’t affect means-tested benefits or tax credits, as it simply ensures you’re paying the correct amount of tax on your actual taxable income.
If you’re claiming substantial amounts that significantly change your taxable income, it’s worth checking if this could impact any income-based benefits.
What should I do if HMRC queries my tax claim?
If HMRC questions your claim:
- Respond promptly to their inquiry.
- Provide any additional evidence requested.
- Explain clearly why the expenses meet the eligibility criteria.
- Keep copies of all correspondence.
- Consider seeking professional advice for complex queries.
Most queries are resolved simply by providing additional information or clarification.
Making the most of your tax relief entitlements
Understanding your rights to tax relief under the PAYE system could put hundreds of pounds (or more) back in your pocket.
From uniform allowances to professional subscriptions, mileage claims to working from home expenses – these are not loopholes but legitimate entitlements designed to ensure you’re getting tax relief on necessary work expenses.
If you’re unsure about your specific circumstances you can use our tax guides and tax refund calculators to work out some estimations in various scenarios.
Avoiding scams and phishing attempts
Taxpayers are targeted by tax scams by email, phone and messages.
Immediately report suspicious communications as HMRC never contacts taxpayers about refunds via email, text, or phone calls. Genuine HMRC emails always end with @hmrc.gov.uk.
Forward suspicious emails to [email protected] or [email protected]. Text messages should be forwarded to 60599.
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