The Most Commonly Missed Tax Refunds in the UK
A significant chunk of the tax HMRC collects belongs to ordinary workers who simply didn't know they could claim it back.
1. Uniform and workwear
If your job requires a uniform you wash or maintain yourself, a flat-rate allowance may apply — no receipts needed. Note it's sometimes already in your tax code.
2. Mileage relief
Using your own car for work travel (not commuting) qualifies for relief up to 45p per mile. Even modest work travel adds up across four years.
3. Tools and equipment
Tradespeople and engineers who buy their own tools can claim relief where not reimbursed.
4. Professional fees and subscriptions
Annual membership of professional bodies relevant to your job is claimable.
5. Working from home
HMRC's £6-per-week working-from-home relief is claimable for backdated years. Note this relief is being withdrawn from 2026/27 — so claim the earlier years now, before the window closes.
6. Marriage allowance
If you're married or in a civil partnership with one partner earning below £12,570 and the other paying basic-rate tax, you can transfer up to £1,260 of allowance — worth over £1,000 backdated.
Example figures assume a basic-rate taxpayer. Individual results will vary.
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