Tax Rebates for Hospitality and Catering Workers

If you work in hospitality or catering, as a chef, waiter, bartender, kitchen porter or hotel staff, you may be paying for work essentials out of your own pocket without realising you can claim tax relief on them. From uniform upkeep to a chef’s own knives, there are reliefs many hospitality workers miss. This guide explains what you can claim.

Why hospitality workers are often owed a rebate

Hospitality roles often involve buying and maintaining your own uniform or equipment, 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 add up.

What hospitality and catering workers can claim

Uniform and protective clothing

If you wear a recognisable uniform or protective clothing, such as chef’s whites, branded front of house uniform, or safety footwear, and you wash, repair or replace it yourself, you can claim the uniform maintenance allowance. See our uniform tax rebate guide.

Tools and equipment

Chefs and kitchen staff who buy their own knives and equipment can often claim tax relief on the cost of buying, repairing or replacing them. See our tools tax rebate guide.

Travel and other costs

If you travel between venues for work (not your normal commute) in your own vehicle and are paid less than the approved rate, you may be able to claim mileage relief. Other necessary costs may also qualify.

How much could a hospitality worker claim?

You receive tax relief at your tax rate, 20 percent for basic rate taxpayers and 40 percent for higher rate. The figure depends on your uniform 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 hospitality tax rebate

You can claim directly from HMRC, or let TaxPro handle it. We check your uniform, tools and travel, 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 chefs claim for their knives?

Yes, where you buy your own knives and equipment for work and are not reimbursed, you can usually claim tax relief on them.

My employer provides my uniform. Can I still claim?

If your employer provides and launders it free of charge, there is nothing to claim. If you wash or maintain it yourself, you can.

I work shifts at several venues. Can I claim travel?

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

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.

Hospitality workers, check what you are owed

If you maintain your own uniform or buy your own kitchen tools, 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.