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Tax ReliefUK-wide

Capital Allowances for Employee Tools and Equipment

HM Revenue & Customs

Description

Tax relief for employees who have to buy more substantial or expensive equipment for their job than the 'small tools' covered by the flat-rate uniform/tools expense — claimed as a capital allowance on the cost rather than a flat rate.

Amount

Capital allowance on the qualifying cost of the equipment, given at your marginal Income Tax rate; amount is case-by-case rather than a fixed figure

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available across the whole UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
Notes
Covers larger one-off purchases distinct from — and not combinable with — the flat-rate uniform/tools expense claimed on the same item.
Requirement
Equipment must be necessary (not merely useful) to perform your job, and you must have paid for it yourself without reimbursement.

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You can also do this yourself for free via the official source

How to apply

Claim via the gov.uk P87 service, through Self Assessment, or by post, with evidence of the purchase.

View official source

Last verified: 23 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.