You can Claim tax relief for work expenses online in 2025
If you spend money doing your job, don’t miss out on tax relief.
You may be entitled to claim tax relief on work expenses, even if you have paid them yourself.
If your employer hasn’t reimbursed you, then a claim could reduce your tax bill. The rules changed recently, and the process to claim is now easier online.
Let’s break it down and make sure you get what you’re owed.
What Is Employment Expenses Tax Relief?
Employment expenses are costs you pay as part of your job.
If they are necessary, job-related, and not reimbursed, HMRC might offer tax relief.
These include travel costs, uniforms, tools, and professional fees.
To qualify, you must meet HMRC’s test: expenses must be wholly, exclusively, and necessarily for work.
That’s a mouthful, but here’s what it means: the expense must be entirely for your job and not for personal use.
New Online System Now Live
HMRC paused their online system last year while updating evidence requirements.
During that pause, you had to claim using form P87 by post. That was slow and inconvenient.
The good news? The new iForm system is now live.
You can once again submit your employment expenses online.
Just visit the Gov.uk website to get started.
When Can You Use the Online iForm?
You can use the new iForm if your claim is £2,500 or less for a single tax year.
If your expenses total more than £2,500, you must claim through Self Assessment.
Already submit a Self Assessment tax return? Include your expense claim in your return, even if it’s under £2,500.
This is important—HMRC won’t process your iForm if you’re already in Self Assessment.
What Expenses Can You Claim?
Here are common work-related expenses that may qualify:
Travel and Mileage
Claim travel costs for business journeys, not commuting.
Mileage claims must include:
- The journey start and end postcodes
- The date of travel
- The purpose of the journey
- The number of miles driven
A detailed mileage log is essential for support.
Professional Fees and Subscriptions
If you pay membership fees to a professional body relevant to your job, you can claim.
You must provide:
- A receipt
- Or proof of payment (bank or credit card statement)
- Check if your organisation is on HMRC’s approved list.
Uniforms, Tools and Work Clothing
Flat-rate expenses are allowed for uniforms, tools and protective clothing.
No evidence is needed for standard claims using HMRC’s fixed amounts.
However, if your claim goes beyond flat rates, you must keep receipts or bank records.
Working From Home
If you must work from home, you can claim additional household costs.
You must show:
- Your contract requires home working
- Or written evidence from your employer
This claim doesn’t apply if you choose to work from home voluntarily.
Other Job-Related Costs
You can also claim:
- Costs of cleaning uniforms
- Tools you’ve bought for your role
- Office supplies used for work
- Evidence must show the item, the cost, and that you paid.
Acceptable proof includes:
- Receipts
- Bank statements
- Credit card records
Evidence Rules You Must Follow
From December 2023, HMRC tightened up evidence rules.
Claims now must be backed by clear documentation.
Each type of expense has its own required proof.
What You Need for Different Claims
Expense Type Evidence Required
- Professional Fees: Receipt or bank statement showing payment
- Mileage: Journey log with date, postcodes, and purpose
- Home Working: Contract or written employer confirmation
- General Expenses: Receipt or bank statement naming item and cost
- Uniforms (Flat Rate): No evidence required for fixed-rate claims
Fail to provide proof? HMRC may deny your claim.
Why Claiming Tax Relief Matters
You work hard. You shouldn’t lose money on job-related costs.
Claiming tax relief:
- Reduces your income tax
- Gives you money back for what you’ve spent
- Helps keep your finances in order
- The process is straightforward if you follow the rules.
- If you’re unsure, speak to an advisor and get help. Don’t leave money on the table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people get claims rejected because of:
- Missing receipts
- Claiming commuting costs (these don’t qualify)
- Using the online form when they should file a tax return
- Not keeping a mileage log
Stay organised. Save your documents. Know the limits.
What Happens After You Claim?
Once you submit your claim online:
- HMRC reviews your information
- If approved, you’ll receive a tax code adjustment or refund
- This usually happens within 12 weeks
Keep a copy of your iForm and supporting evidence for your records.
Need Help Claiming?
Claim tax relief for work expenses ? You don’t need to figure it out alone.
At I Hate Numbers, we help you claim every penny you’re owed.
We’ll make sure your expenses are valid, backed by evidence, and correctly submitted.
Whether you’re an employee, contractor, or freelancer—we’ve got your back.
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