Martin Lewis says workers may get £60 by filling in free form - takes 'few minutes'

Martin Lewis says workers may get £60 by filling in free form - takes 'few minutes' The MoneySavingExpert founder says it is "dead easy" to claim for free using a form on gov.uk Martin Lewis has called on workers to complete a form on the official government website to find out whether they qualify for a refund. The MoneySavingExpert founder says certain employees could pocket £60 or more if they can backdate their claim. Speaking on a recent episode of his BBC Sounds The Martin Lewis Podcast, he explains how workers who wear a uniform could be missing out on tax relief. He went on to outline to listeners exactly what they could be entitled to, and how to go about claiming it. He said: "If you wear a uniform to work, including just a branded t-shirt or overalls, and crucially, you wash and have to maintain them yourself, and you don't use them elsewhere... then you are entitled to a very small tax rebate, which is back dateable up to four years." Martin Lewis has also sounded the alarm over using third-party claims companies. Numerous commercial firms advertise their services to help you recoup uniform tax, yet they can pocket up to 50% of your payout in hidden fees. He urged workers to handle it themselves for free. He says it takes a matter of minutes to complete a quick P87 form online at gov. uk, reports the Liverpool Echo. "To claim it, you do not need to pay anyone to do it. There are people who advertise - don't. It is dead easy. There is a form on gov.uk. It is called Tax Relief for Employees Uniform. Just search 'gov.uk Tax Relief for Employees Uniform'. Or, if you do a self assessment form, you do it in your self assessment tax return." Martin Lewis explained the flat rate means you receive a £60 allowance. He continued: "Now the tax saving on £60 for a basic rate tax payer is £12. If you pay tax at the 40% rate it is £24 a year. But you can back date it four years. It can be £60, it can be £120." He informed listeners that certain individuals have more specialised uniforms and higher allowances. "So, a dental nurse, for example, the allowance is £125, which means it is worth £25 a year at the basic tax rate," he said. "Pilots' allowance is £1,000 a year, though most pilots will know about it, which means it is worth £200. A mechanic's allowance is £120 a year." He clarified that the exact allowance depends on your occupation and the essential role the uniform plays in that role. He stated: "But the minimum is a £60 allowance, which you would pay £12 tax on, but you get that as tax free. So for £60, the saving is £12, and you can backdate it up to four years." A statement on gov.uk reads: "You can claim tax relief for a uniform. A uniform is a set of clothing that identifies you as having a certain occupation, for example nurse, or police officer. You may also be able to claim for specialist clothing you need for work, even if it does not identify you as having a certain occupation, for example overalls or safety boots." To be eligible for a uniform tax rebate, you must wear a distinctive or specialised uniform for work. This ranges from a basic branded T-shirt or polo shirt featuring a company logo to complete nursing scrubs, police kits, or pilot uniforms. Plain clothing (such as a standard black shirt or suit) does not qualify. You must be responsible for washing, repairing, or replacing it yourself. Your employer must not already offer a complimentary laundry service or provide you with an allowance to cover these expenses. How can you claim a uniform tax rebate? If you claim the actual amount you’ve spent, you must: - send copies of your receipts, or other evidence, which proves you’ve paid for the items - claim these as ‘Other expenses’ within the service If you claim an agreed fixed amount (a flat rate expense) you: - do not need to send evidence - claim these as ‘Uniform, work clothing and tools’ within the service Use this service to: - check if you can claim - make a claim if you’re eligible