Tax Rebates for Security Officers and Door Supervisors

Security officers, door supervisors and guards often pay for their own uniform, equipment and travel between sites, and many are entitled to tax relief they have never claimed. If you work in the security industry, it is worth checking whether HMRC owes you, because a claim can usually cover several years at once. This guide explains what security workers can claim.

Why security workers are often owed a rebate

Security roles involve costs you cover yourself, and HMRC allows tax relief on several of them. It does not apply that relief automatically, so unless you claim, the money stays with HMRC. Because the costs recur and you can backdate a claim by four tax years, the totals add up.

What security officers can claim

Uniform and protective clothing

If you maintain your own uniform or protective clothing, such as branded workwear or safety boots, and wash or replace it yourself, you can claim the uniform maintenance allowance. See our uniform tax rebate guide.

Travel between sites

If you work across different sites and use your own vehicle for travel that is not your normal commute, and are paid less than the approved rate, you may be able to claim mileage relief on the shortfall. Security workers who rotate between temporary sites often have eligible travel.

Equipment and other costs

Necessary equipment you buy yourself, and other work related costs, may qualify depending on your role. Subscriptions to an approved union relevant to your work can also be eligible.

A note on the SIA licence

The cost of your SIA licence is generally treated by HMRC as a cost of qualifying to do the job rather than an allowable work expense, so it is usually not claimable on its own. However, the other costs above often are, which is why it is worth having your full situation reviewed rather than assuming you cannot claim anything.

How much could a security officer claim?

You receive tax relief at your tax rate, 20 percent or 40 percent. The figure depends on your uniform, travel and equipment costs, but combined across the current year plus four previous years, it is often a worthwhile claim.

How far back can I claim?

The current tax year plus the previous four. The oldest year drops off each 5 April, so claiming sooner protects an extra year.

How to claim your security tax rebate

You can claim directly from HMRC, or let TaxPro handle it. We check your uniform, travel and equipment, claim every eligible year, and deal with HMRC for you. We work on a no win, no fee basis, so a percentage fee only applies once your refund is secured.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim back my SIA licence fee?

Usually not on its own, as HMRC treats it as a qualification cost. But other costs such as uniform upkeep and travel often qualify.

I work at lots of different sites. Can I claim travel?

Travel to temporary sites, not your normal commute, may qualify. It is worth getting it checked.

I am paid through an agency. Can I claim?

If you are paid through PAYE and meet the conditions, the same reliefs generally apply.

How long does it take?

Once submitted, refunds usually come through in around 10 days, with the whole process often taking 8 to 10 weeks.

Security officers, check what you are owed

If you maintain your own uniform or travel between sites, there is a good chance HMRC owes you.

Start your claim with TaxPro and we will work out everything you are entitled to, on a no win, no fee basis.

Related: browse all our tax rebates by job to find your trade.