What plumbers can claim
What HMRC allows for this work. Your specialist checks which apply to you.
Your own toolsHand and power tools bought for the job and not repaid. Full cost with statements, or the flat rate for your trade.Pipe benders, press tools, hand tools
Mileage in your own carBetween clients, sites or bases, not the normal commute. 55p a mile from April 2026 (45p before) less anything your employer pays.Between jobs and to temporary sites
WorkwearWashing, repairing or replacing a uniform or specialist clothing, at HMRC's flat rate or actual cost. PPE is not claimable: your employer should provide it or repay you.Flat rate or actual cost
Union and professional feesCIPHE and other bodies on HMRC's approved list (List 3). Unite and Gas Safe registration are not on it, so they cannot be claimed as professional fees.Full amount
Marcus, heating engineer, own tools, own car
Drives 5,000 miles a year between jobs and spends £500 a year on tools. About £550 tax back per year.
Figures are illustrative at the basic rate. Your real figure comes from your HMRC record, and you approve it before anything is filed.
How it works
Answer a few questions
60 seconds. Job, income, past claims, contact details. No documents yet.
Connect HMRC and prove it's you
Link your Government Gateway and pass a 5-minute identity check in the app.
Approve your estimate
Your specialist works out what you're owed. One tap to approve and it goes to HMRC.
HMRC pays, we pay you
Fee deducted, the rest lands in your bank, usually the next working day.
“Alex made it easy for me. I really do appreciate that”
Tokunbo VerifiedPlumber questions
How much does it cost?
37.5% plus VAT of the refund, minimum £45 plus VAT. No refund, no fee. Nothing upfront. Full fee page.
Gas Safe registration?
No. Gas Safe registration is not on HMRC's approved list and is not one of the registration fees the tax rules allow, so it cannot be claimed as a professional fee.
I am self-employed.
Then it goes through your Self Assessment return. If you work under CIS, see our CIS page: we file the full return for £220 plus VAT. Other self-employed returns are coming soon.