As a security worker, it’s common to require specific clothing and safety gear for the job. If you’ve personally purchased your uniform and are responsible for its maintenance, you may be eligible for a tax refund. Under the PAYE system for employed workers, you can claim refunds for expenses related to your uniform, such as:

– Cleaning costs
– Repairs
– Replacement
– Upkeep (e.g., dry cleaning)

If you’re self-employed in the security industry, you’ll need to register as self-employed and submit an annual self-assessment tax return. Being self-employed opens up the opportunity to claim for additional expenses compared to being employed by a company. In addition to uniform expenses, you can also claim for transportation, business phone costs (both landline and mobile), advertising, and administrative expenses. It’s crucial to retain all receipts, whether for laundry expenses or SIA license renewals, to support your claims.