To be able to claim tax relief, ALL of the following must apply:

You wear a recognisable uniform that shows you've got a certain job, such as a branded T-shirt, nurse or police uniform. Also, we've heard reports that even plain clothes, without a logo, which you only wear for work may count – it's worth a try.





Your employer requires you to wear it while you're working.





You have to purchase, clean, repair or replace it yourself. However, you can't claim if your employer washes your kit, provides facilities to do so (even if you don't use them) or pays you for doing this maintenance.





You paid income tax in the year you are claiming for.

One group that shouldn't need to go through the process are those in the armed forces. The cost of maintaining their uniforms should be dealt with via their tax code, with their tax-free personal allowance raised to compensate.

If you're in the police force, some forces already claim it, but each has its own arrangement, so check what your force does. Other forces personnel may have washing facilities already available, so check the rules to see if you could claim.

If you're self-employed you should claim uniform and laundry expenses when filling in your self-assessment tax return.