If you’ve paid out of pocket for tools, travel, uniforms, or other work-related costs, you may be eligible to claim a tax refund for employment expenses. Whether you’re a CIS worker, a sole trader, or self-employed, claiming back what you’re owed can make a real difference to your finances.
In this guide, we’ll explain what qualifies as an allowable expense, how to claim, and how Tax2u makes the process quick and easy.
What are employment expenses?
Employment expenses are costs you’ve had to pay yourself to do your job – that your employer hasn’t reimbursed. These can include things like:
- Tools and protective clothing
- Business mileage or travel to temporary sites
- Professional fees or trade union subscriptions
- Working-from-home costs (in some cases)
If you’re employed or working under the CIS (Construction Industry Scheme), these expenses could add up to hundreds – or even thousands – in refunds each year.
Who can claim a tax refund?
You may be eligible if:
- You’re a CIS worker or subcontractor
- You’re a sole trader or self-employed
- You’ve had to pay for job-related costs yourself
- You haven’t already been reimbursed by your employer
Even if you only worked part of the year, you could still claim a refund for eligible expenses.
What employment expenses can you claim?
Here are some common expenses you may be able to claim:
| Expense Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Travel & Mileage | Fuel for work-related travel, site visits |
| Tools & Equipment | Hand tools, power tools, specialist gear |
| Protective Clothing | Steel-toe boots, helmets, hi-vis jackets |
| Uniform & Cleaning | Branded uniforms, laundry costs |
| Professional Fees | Union fees, CSCS card fees, trade body memberships |
| Home Office Costs | If part of your home is used for business purposes |
| Phone & Internet (work use) | Proportional business use of personal devices |
Note: HMRC requires records or receipts for most claims, so keep everything safe.
How much could you claim?
This depends on your individual circumstances, but many CIS workers and self-employed individuals claim back £1,000 or more per year. Over four years, that’s a potential £4,000+ refund!
If you haven’t claimed before, you can usually backdate claims for up to four tax years.
How to claim a tax refund for employment expenses
There are a few ways to submit your claim:
1. Through Your Self Assessment Tax Return
If you’re self-employed or under the CIS scheme, you’ll report your expenses when filing your return with HMRC.
2. Using HMRC’s P87 Form
For employed individuals (not self-employed), the P87 form allows you to claim tax relief for allowable expenses under PAYE.
3. Let Tax2u Handle It for You
Don’t want the paperwork? Let us do it for you. We make sure your claim is accurate, maximised, and submitted on time – without the stress.
Why people miss out
Many UK taxpayers don’t realise they’re entitled to claim. Others don’t know which expenses qualify or feel overwhelmed by HMRC’s forms.
That’s where Tax2u can help – we specialise in helping CIS workers, sole traders, and self-employed people claim their rightful refunds.
What you’ll need to claim
To help support your claim, you’ll need:
- Proof of income (payslips, invoices, or CIS statements)
- Details of expenses (receipts, logbooks, mileage records)
- Your National Insurance number and UTR (if self-employed)
Don’t worry – if you’re missing paperwork, we’ll help you recover it.
Ready to claim your tax refund?
Every year, thousands of UK workers leave money unclaimed. Don’t be one of them. With Tax2u, claiming your employment expenses is simple, secure, and stress-free. We’ll do the hard work, you just get the refund.
Start your tax refund claim with Tax2u