Can I claim tax relief on Police Federation fees?
Tax relief can be claimed on membership fees into the Police Federation. A claim is currently allowed for the current and last four tax years.
The police federation have agreed with HMRC that tax relief is available on 100% of the membership cost.
If you serve in the police force and wear a uniform you can also claim the standard tax rebate of £140 for officers or £60 for other uniformed staff.
Police officers can claim tax relief for the current tax year and the previous four tax years. This means if you haven’t claimed before, you could receive a substantial rebate covering multiple years.
You’ll learn how to recover rebates for up to four previous tax years, potentially putting hundreds of pounds back in your pocket.
We also cover additional claims police officers can miss, including uniform, equipment and work related travel costs.
With step-by-step instructions and expert insights, you’ll navigate the claim process with confidence and ensure you receive every penny you deserve.
What else can police officers claim for?
Other reasons for a police tax rebate to be due are:
- Laundering of police uniform.
- Using your own car for work purposes but not for normal commuting.
- Necessary equipment for your policing duties and your force hasn’t covered the costs, you might qualify for tax relief on such purchases.
This may include equipment like flashlights, notepads, or other specialist tools required for your position.
HMRC expects you to submit your eligible expenses along with your police federation subscription charges using the same claim form for processing.
How do I claim tax relief on police federation subscriptions?
If you don’t already complete a self assessment tax return you will normally need to submit your police federation claim form either online or by post.
To claim tax relief on your federation subscriptions online:
- Visit the GOV.UK website and search for “claim tax relief for professional fees”.
- Sign in to your Government Gateway account.
- Enter the details of your police federation membership fees.
- Include any other allowable work expenses for example the flat rate uniform allowance.
- Submit your claim.
A postal claim option is available by completing a form P87 which you can download and complete in a more traditional format.
Including any other employment related costs on the same claim form is expected by HMRC.
What documentation do I need to provide when applying?
You will normally need to provide evidence of your subscription payments, which can be requested from your police federation.
Receipt evidence will also be needed if you are claiming for necessary work related equipment.
For police uniform relief you don’t need to provide receipts when claiming the standard flat rate expense allowance of £140 (or less).
You should retain receipts, statements or confirmation letters from your Federation for at least 22 months after the end of the tax year you’re claiming for, as HMRC may request these as evidence.
What happens after I have submitted my police federation claim?
After submitting your claim, HMRC will assess it and typically inform you of their decision within approximately twelve weeks.
You can track your claim’s progress via your personal tax account or through the HMRC mobile application.
Look out for a P800 tax calculation through the post which will detail how HMRC have generated any tax rebates due.
For police officer claims, HMRC generally processes any tax refunds by transferring them to the bank account specified on your claim form or by posting a cheque.
Will my tax code be adjusted after making a claim?
Yes, for continuous claims. Once your initial claim is processed, HMRC typically modifies your tax code for subsequent years (and informs your force).
This should ensure you receive tax relief automatically through your wages, eliminating the need for repeated claims.
After your claim is completed it’s a good idea to check that your tax code includes your federation fees, police uniform allowance and any other work related expenses.
Check our tax code guide to understand more about tax codes and how to check them for accuracy.
Exceptions and special circumtances
- The metropolitan police force currently has an arrangement whereby federation subscriptions are taken at source from an officer’s salary and no tax is deducted.
This means for members of that police force a claim for federation tax relief isn’t necessary.
- Police community support officers can claim for the laundry of uniform allowance.
- Police dog handlers may be able to claim for expenses that are unique to their job role. Our gudie for dog handlers can help you find out more.
Tax rebates and continued savings
As a police officer or staff member, knowing your rights regarding professional fees isn’t merely about financial awareness – it’s about securing the reimbursements you’re entitled to.
HMRC has simplified their claims procedure so it’s never been easier for police officers to claim your entitlement.
When claimed for the complete four-year retrospective period, these reductions amount to substantial savings and continue to reduce your future tax payments.
Keep in mind that you can maximise your tax relief through supplementary claims for police federation memberships and other allowable expenses.
Don’t miss out on your rightful refunds – initiate your claim today via one of steps outlined in our guide.
