When it comes to personal or work-related expenses, many UK taxpayers are leaving money on the table. HMRC offers a wide range of tax reliefs that can help reduce your tax bill, but unless you know what you’re entitled to, it’s easy to miss out.
The good news? Some reliefs can even be backdated for up to four years, meaning you could be owed a sizeable rebate.
At Accounting People, we regularly help individuals and businesses claim back what’s rightfully theirs. Here are five of the most commonly overlooked HMRC tax reliefs that could save you hundreds each year.
1. Tax Relief for Remote Working, Worth Up to £62 a Year
If your employment contract requires you to work from home (rather than it being a personal choice), you can claim a flat rate of £6 per week to cover additional household costs such as heating, electricity, and broadband.
For a basic-rate taxpayer, this adds up to around £62 a year. It may not sound huge, but it’s a simple relief that many people forget to claim.
Keep in mind: If you occasionally work from home by choice, you won’t qualify. The rule applies only when home working is mandatory.
2. Professional Fees & Subscriptions, £50–£150 Per Year
If your job requires you to be a member of a professional body or trade union, you may be entitled to claim tax relief on those fees.
For example:
- Nurses paying Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) fees
- Engineers registered with a professional institute
- Teachers or accountants paying for their professional memberships
The relief is usually worth £50–£150 per year, depending on your industry.
HMRC provides a full list of approved bodies, so make sure your membership qualifies. And remember: If your employer pays the fee on your behalf, you can’t claim it again.
3. Uniform & Work Clothing, up to £60 a Year
Do you have to wear a uniform or specialist work clothing? You can claim tax relief either for the actual cost or via HMRC’s flat rate expense system.
For instance, if the flat rate is £60 and you’re a basic-rate taxpayer, you’ll pay £12 less tax each year. It’s a small but worthwhile claim, especially for roles such as healthcare workers, hospitality staff, or tradespeople.
4. Tools & Specialist Equipment, £50–£100 Per Year
If you have to buy tools or equipment necessary for your job (and they aren’t provided or reimbursed by your employer), you can claim tax relief.
This could include:
- Hairdressers buying scissors and styling tools
- Electricians purchasing power tools
- Construction workers supplying their own kit
On average, claims range from £50–£100 per year if the equipment is mainly used for work purposes.
5. Work-Related Travel Costs – Often £150+ a Year
Travel is another area where employees often miss out. If you’re required to travel to temporary workplaces or locations other than your contracted office, you can claim for mileage or public transport costs.
- Car mileage: 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles, then 25p thereafter
- Cycling: 20p per mile
- Parking fees and overnight accommodation (if not reimbursed by your employer)
Regular travelers can easily save £150+ per year, especially when attending off-site meetings, training courses, or client visits.
Don’t Miss Out on What’s Yours
HMRC’s tax relief rules can be surprisingly generous, but they’re often underused simply because people don’t know they exist. Whether you’re an employee, freelancer, or small business owner, claiming what you’re entitled to could mean extra cash in your pocket each year.
At Accounting People, we make tax simple. Our team ensures you’re not only compliant but also maximising every relief available to you.
Ready to see how much you could claim back? Get in touch with Accounting People today and let us help you save.
