Wear can you claim back the cost of company clothes?

Paula Veysey Smith • 15 April 2018

The second in the series is to do with where you can, and can’t claim back the cost of clothing. This is an issue originally looked at back last September but as a thorny issue it will be good to revisit now.

I’m often the bearer of bad news when clients submit receipts for new suits, shirts, shoes and dresses as they will be worn at work.  The issue is that the tax man won’t see it this way as such items can be worn for both work and personal reasons.  Do you really have two wardrobes, one for work suits and the other for social.

Clothing that can be claimed includes:

Protective clothing, if relevant to the business, such as:

  • Helmets
  • Steel toe cap boots
  • Body armour
  • Protective suits
  • High visual wear
  • Overalls

Specialist clothing, if relevant to the business, such as:

  • Performers costumes
  • Uniforms

Unfortunately clothing that can’t be claimed for are:

  • Business suits
  • Everyday shoes
  • Clothing worn for your religion
  • Dark clothing for court appearances

However, if the clothing is logoed – in any way – then it can be claimed for. So t-shirts either with printed or sewn logos would be accepted as tax deductible.

This means if you want to claim your Armani clothes you just need to print them up with your company logo…

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