Tax Rebates for Electricians: Tools, Travel and More

Electricians spend a lot of their own money on the tools, equipment and travel their work demands, and many are owed tax relief they have never claimed. Whether you are employed or work under CIS, there is a strong chance HMRC owes you, and a claim can usually cover several years at once. This guide explains what electricians can claim.

Why electricians are often owed a rebate

Electrical work involves buying your own tools and travelling to different sites, and HMRC lets you claim tax relief on many of these costs. It does not refund them automatically, so unless you claim, the money stays with HMRC. As you can backdate a claim by four tax years, the totals can be significant.

What electricians can claim

Tools and equipment

This is usually the biggest claim for electricians. The cost of buying, repairing and replacing your own tools, test equipment and power tools can qualify for tax relief, either through a flat rate or, for larger purchases, capital allowances. See our tools tax rebate guide.

Travel to temporary sites

If you travel to different sites in your own vehicle (not your normal commute) and are paid less than HMRC’s approved rate, you can claim mileage relief on the shortfall. Electricians who move between jobs often have substantial business mileage.

Uniform and protective clothing

If you maintain your own workwear or protective gear, such as branded clothing, safety boots and gloves, and wash or replace it yourself, you can claim the uniform maintenance allowance.

If you work under CIS

If you are a self-employed electrician working under the Construction Industry Scheme, you reclaim overpaid tax through Self Assessment, and you can claim your tools, travel and other costs as expenses. See our CIS tax rebate guide.

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 electrician tax rebate

You can claim directly from HMRC, or let TaxPro handle it. We work out whether the flat rate or actual cost route gives you more on tools, check your travel and other costs, 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 electricians claim for tools?

Yes. Buying, repairing and replacing your own tools and test equipment can qualify, via a flat rate or capital allowances for larger spends.

I am self-employed under CIS. How do I claim?

Through your Self Assessment return, claiming your tools, travel and other costs as expenses to reclaim overpaid CIS.

Do I need receipts?

For a flat rate tools claim, often not. For actual costs and capital allowances, keep your receipts.

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.

Electricians, check what you are owed

If you buy your own tools and travel to sites, there is a strong 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.