SIA Licence Tax Relief Guide for Security Workers
Security workers are normally expected to have an SIA licence and, in most cases, you won’t be reimbursed by your employer.
To help cover the cost HMRC and the Security Industry Authority have negotiated an arrangement that means you can claim tax relief on the full cost of your SIA licence fee.
The SIA badge renewal usually occurs every three years, and it’s recommended to submit your tax relief claim promptly to avoid HMRC’s four year deadline.
As a security professional in the UK, you may be entitled to claim tax rebates on various other work-related expenses.
This guide addresses the most frequently asked questions about tax rebates specifically for security workers, helping you understand your eligibility, the documentation required, and how to successfully complete your claim.
Am I eligible for an SIA tax rebate?
You’re eligible to claim tax rebates if:
- You’re employed as a security worker (including private security, event security, or close protection).
- You pay income tax through PAYE.
- You’ve incurred work-related expenses that haven’t been reimbursed by your employer.
- You’re claiming within the allowed timeframe (typically up to 4 tax years prior).
What specific expenses can security workers claim for?
Working in the security industry often means you have to pay for more than just your SIA licence fee.
Security workers can typically claim for:
- Uniform cleaning and maintenance flat rate allowance.
- Security license fees (SIA license).
- Your Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence.
- Professional subscriptions relevant to security work.
- Travel expenses between multiple work sites (excluding normal commuting).
- Use of personal vehicle for work duties at temporary places of work.
- Subsistence costs covering the expense of food and refreshments whilst attending temporary workplaces.
- Training costs (if required for your current role).
Receipts and proper record keeping if you have allowable travel expenses is vital. Keeping accurate records that can be used to prove your expenditure is important to avoid a rejected claim.
SIA licence tax rebate claim time limit
Tax rebates on your SIA licence fee and other work expenses can be backdated for the last four tax years only. It’s best to make a claim as soon as you can to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
How to claim your SIA tax rebate from HMRC
Security workers should claim through HMRC either online or via a postal form.
You can use the following options to get started:
- Online: Using the HMRC Government Gateway service with form P87 (for claims under £2,500)
- By Post: Completing and mailing form P87
- Self-Assessment: Including your claim on your self-assessment tax return if you already complete one.
When HMRC receive your SIA licence claim they will acknowledge receipt online or by letter. It will normally take about 8-12 weeks for them to reply and to confirm any tax rebate due.
What is the step-by-step process for making a claim?
- Gather all necessary documentation including proof of your SIA licence payment.
- Determine any other eligible expenses.
- Complete form P87 or iForm (for claims under £2,500).
- Submit your claim online or by post.
- Wait for HMRC processing (typically 8-12 weeks).
- Receive your rebate (usually as a tax code adjustment or direct payment).
P800 tax calculation and your tax code
After a successful tax rebate claim HMRC will typically send you a P800 form explaining their calculations and specifying the refund amount for each tax year included in your claim.
Filing a claim for expenses that occur annually typically results in an adjustment to your tax code for the present tax year.
An example would be the the flat rate uniform allowance which remains part of your tax code indefinitely unless circumstances change, eliminating the need for annual claims to HMRC.
Keep records and tax year deadlines
Understanding your entitlement to tax rebates as a security worker can result in significant annual savings.
By keeping proper records, submitting timely claims, and including all eligible expenses, you can ensure you’re not paying more tax than necessary.
Remember to claim within the four-year deadline and consult with HMRC or a tax professional if you’re uncertain about any aspect of your claim.
