Firefighter Tax Relief
You could be owed hundreds of pounds by HMRC. Most firefighters are eligible to claim tax relief on uniform cleaning and union fees.
Tax Refund Estimator
Approx £28/mo for full-time.
Estimated Annual Relief
Potential 4-Year Rebate
*Estimates based on claiming back 4 previous tax years + current year relief adjustment.
1. Uniform Cleaning Allowance
HMRC acknowledges that firefighters are required to wear uniforms and protective clothing (PPE). While your service maintains your fire kit (tunics, leggings), you are often expected to wash your station wear (trousers, t-shirts, shirts).
You can claim a Flat Rate Expense (FRE) of £140 per year. This isn't a check for £140, but a reduction in your taxable income.
- Basic Rate Taxpayer (20%): You save £28/year.
- Higher Rate Taxpayer (40%): You save £56/year.
Note: If your Fire Service provides laundry facilities specifically for station wear and prohibits you from taking it home, you cannot claim this.
2. Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Subscriptions
Crucially, you can claim tax relief on your union subscriptions. This is often missed.
HMRC lists the \"Fire Brigades Union\" as an approved body. You can claim tax relief on 100% of your subscription fees.
If you pay ~£28/month (~£336/year):
- Basic Rate (20%): Save ~£67.20/year.
- Higher Rate (40%): Save ~£134.40/year.
3. How to Claim (The Easy Way)
You do not need to pay an accountant or a \"tax refund company\" that takes a 30% cut. You can do it yourself for free in 10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Claim Process:
- Log in to your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK (use your Government Gateway ID).
- Select \"Pay As You Earn (PAYE)\".
- Choose \"Claim tax relief for your expenses\".
- For Uniform: Select \"Uniforms, work clothing and tools\" -> \"Flat rate expense\".
- For Union Fees: Select \"Professional fees and subscriptions\" -> Search \"Fire Brigades Union\".
- Enter the amounts paid.
HMRC will usually adjust your tax code (e.g., changing from 1257L to 1285L) so you pay less tax in future months. For previous years' claims, they may send you a cheque (P800 calculation).