Working in the NHS or prehospital care? You could be missing out on money you’re entitled to just for doing your job. From washing your uniform to travelling between patients, here’s how you can legally reclaim some of your work-related expenses.

1. Uniform Tax Rebate

Claim tax back for washing your uniform at home.

If you wear a recognisable uniform for work (like NHS greens, tunics, or branded polos) and you’re responsible for washing, repairing, or replacing it, you can claim a flat-rate tax rebate from HMRC.

You qualify if:

  • You wear a uniform that’s recognisable as workwear.

  • You wash it yourself at home (not laundered by your employer).

  • You’ve not already been reimbursed for laundry costs.

How much can I get?
Most NHS or ambulance staff can claim £60 per year as a flat-rate deduction which gives you around £12 back in real cash per tax year (higher if you’re a higher-rate taxpayer).
You can backdate claims up to 4 years, meaning £48+ could be waiting for you.

How to claim:

2. Professional Fees Rebate

Reclaim part of your registration or union fees.

If you pay registration fees to the HCPC or belong to a professional body or union like the RCN, GMB, or Unison, you can claim tax relief on part (or all) of the amount.

You qualify if:

  • You pay the fees yourself (not paid by your employer).

  • The body is approved by HMRC (HCPC, NMC, RCN, and many unions).

Example:
If you pay £180/year to the HCPC and you’re a 20% taxpayer, you could get £36 back per year.

How to claim:

  • Log into your HMRC online account and update your expenses under “Professional Fees”.

  • Or submit a P87 form or include it in your self-assessment if applicable.

Full HMRC-approved list of claimable bodies:
https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-approved-professional-organisations

3. Mileage Claims

Get money back for using your car for work.

If you’re a community paramedic, nurse, or other mobile NHS worker who uses your own car to travel between work sites or patient visits, you may be able to claim mileage tax relief on the difference between what your Trust pays and the HMRC-approved rate.

Note: This is not for commuting to your usual place of work only for travel during work hours (e.g. home visits, clinics, secondary stations).

What can I claim?

  • HMRC allows 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles in a tax year, 25p thereafter.

  • If your employer only pays 20p/mile, you can claim the 25p difference per mile back in tax relief.

Example:

  • You drove 3,000 miles for work and were paid 20p/mile.

  • You’re owed 25p/mile tax relief = £750 in mileage difference.

  • If you’re taxed at 20%, that’s £150 in real cash.

How to claim:

  • Keep a record of your mileage (dates, journeys, miles).

  • Submit via self-assessment or P87 form.

Final Tips

  • You can combine these claims in one application.

  • Use form P87 if your total expenses are under £2,500/year.

  • Keep receipts or mileage logs in case HMRC asks for evidence.

  • Backdate your claims up to 4 years — don’t miss out.

Want Help with the Forms?

EMSUK Learning is working on a free downloadable Claim Checklist and Template Log Sheet to help NHS and prehospital staff get their money back without hassle.

⬇️  Claim Checklist With Instructions