HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has reminded millions of workers that they could collect an “early Christmas present” this year in the form of a tax rebate.
Staff in a variety of roles, such as nurses, hairdressers, construction workers and those in the retail and food sector, may be able to claim for work-related expenses which have been incurred to carry out their job properly.
This can include payments for car mileage, professional subscriptions, replacing or repairing small tools and/or maintaining branded uniforms. Eligible employees will be paid relief at the rate of pay that they pay tax. For example, if they spend £100 and pay tax at a rate of 20 per cent in that year, the tax relief they can claim is £20.
For examples of items you may be able to claim on, please refer to the list below:

• Repairing or replacing small tools needed to do their job (for example, scissors or an electric drill)
• Cleaning, repairing or replacing specialist clothing (for example, a branded uniform or safety boots)
• Business mileage (not commuting)
• Travel and overnight expenses
• Professional fees and subscriptions

Workers who are paid through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and who claim for expenses this week could see the rebate land in their bank accounts before 25 December, HMRC has advised.
To do so, taxpayers should visit the GOV.UK web portal to check if they can claim their full tax relief entitlement for genuine work-related expenses.
Expenses claimed through a Personal Tax Account (PTA) are usually paid within three weeks, providing the claim is approved and processed accordingly.
Commenting on the scheme, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mel Stride MP, said: “We know what a difference tax relief can make to hard-working customers, especially at this time of year. HMRC is keen to make sure customers get all the relief they’re entitled to, by using the online service.
“Tax relief isn’t available for all employment expenses, so the online Check If You Can Claim tool is very helpful – then if your claim is approved, your full tax relief will be paid directly into your bank account.”