Teacher tax relief guide

Union subs, GTC and professional bodies, PE kit laundering and specialist equipment.

4min read. Reviewed by the Taxpro tax team.

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In short

  • NEU in full; NASUWT and NAHT at two-thirds of the subscription.
  • Professional registration where required, for example the Education Workforce Council.
  • PE teachers who wash a school-branded kit may be able to claim the standard £60 flat rate.
  • Specialist equipment you had to buy and were not repaid for.

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Union subscriptions

Teaching unions are on HMRC's List 3: the NEU in full, NASUWT and NAHT at two-thirds of the subscription. Over 4 years it is usually £150 to £280 back, more at the higher rate.

Registration and professional bodies

Bodies you must belong to for the role qualify in full. Subject associations may qualify where on the list. Check List 3.

Kit and clothing

Laundering a school-branded PE kit may qualify at the standard £60 rate. PPE such as safety footwear and protective clothing is not claimable: the school should provide it or repay you. Books and resources only where necessary for the job and not reimbursed.

Worked example

Priya, PE teacher, NEU £190 in full and £60 laundering. About £50 a year at 20%, £200 over 4 years, £110 after fee. At 40%, double.

Questions

Marking at home?

Only if the contract requires home working and there is no space at school. Most teachers cannot claim it.

Supply teaching?

Supply teachers placed by an agency are usually under supervision, direction or control, so the trip from home to each school is commuting. Travel between schools during a working day can still count. Ask your specialist.

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This guide is general information, not advice about your circumstances. Figures use HMRC rates for the 2026 to 2027 tax year. We are a paid tax agent and not HMRC.

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