Tax relief allows taxpayers to reduce the amount of tax owed, helping you keep more of your hard-earned money. It comes in various forms, including allowances, deductions and credits for work-related expenses, charitable donations and pension contributions.

Whether you’re employed or self-employed, a proper understanding of potential tax reliefs could lower your tax bill. Here at RIFT, we’re here to help you claim every penny you’re entitled to.

Who qualifies for tax relief?

The tax relief you’re eligible for in the UK varies depending on your status as a taxpayer.

  • If you’re an employee, you may claim relief on work-related expenses, such as uniforms or tools.
  • Self-employed individuals can deduct business expenses, reducing their taxable income.
  • Pensioners might be eligible for relief on pension contributions and certain allowances.
  • For landlords and investors, tax relief can apply to property expenses and investment losses.
  • Entrepreneurs may benefit from Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), which reduces Capital Gains Tax on the sale of a business.

Each category has specific rules and allowances, making it essential to understand which reliefs apply to your situation.

Types of tax relief available in the UK

In the UK, you can be eligible for various forms of tax relief:

  • Personal allowances: Includes the Basic Personal Allowance, Marriage Allowance for transferring unused allowance between spouses, and Blind Person's Allowance.
  • Work-related expenses: Claim tax relief on costs like uniforms, tools, and work from home tax relief.
  • Pension contributions: Contributions qualify for pension tax relief, reducing your taxable income.
  • Charitable donations: Gift Aid allows tax relief on donations to charities.
  • Investment reliefs: The SEIS and EIS provide incentives for small investments.
  • Property reliefs: Includes mortgage interest relief and Capital Gains Tax reliefs.

How to claim tax relief in the UK

Claiming tax relief in the UK depends on your eligibility and circumstances. If you're self-employed or need to report expenses, you can claim tax relief through Self-Assessment by completing your tax return. Employees may need to submit an application through their employer, particularly for work-related expenses or reliefs like the Marriage Allowance.

Additionally, the HMRC portal offers a straightforward way to claim various reliefs directly, allowing you to manage your tax affairs online. Whichever method you choose, ensure you have the necessary documentation to support your claim. At RIFT, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

Find out how much you’re owed

Tax relief is a valuable way for UK taxpayers to reduce their tax bills and keep more of their income. Whether it’s through personal allowances, work expenses, pension contributions or charitable donations, understanding and claiming the reliefs you’re eligible for can make a real difference to your finances.

Plus, if you’re tackling a Self-Assessment tax return, we’re here to make it straightforward. Our experts handle the hard work, ensuring your claim is accurate, complete, and hassle-free.

Don’t miss out on what’s yours – with RIFT, you can find out how much you could be owed in tax refunds and start claiming today!

Tax relief FAQs

Can I backdate my tax relief claims?

Yes, HMRC allows you to backdate tax relief claims by up to four years. This means you can reclaim expenses or reliefs from previous tax years if you missed them initially. However, each claim must be specific to the expenses you incurred during that tax year. Ensuring accurate records for backdated claims is essential to avoid delays or issues.

How long does it take for HMRC to process a tax relief claim?

The time HMRC takes to process a tax relief claim can vary, but usually at most it takes around eight weeks. If you submit your claim via the HMRC portal, it might be processed faster than postal claims. Larger or more complex claims, such as those involving multiple expenses, may take longer, particularly during busy periods.

Do I need a professional to help with tax relief claims?

While you can make a tax relief claim independently, using a tax specialist can simplify the process and help ensure you claim everything you’re eligible for. A professional can guide you through more complex claims, assist with backdating and provide expert advice. At RIFT, we’re here to help you with your claim and make the process as stress-free as possible.