Police dog handlers can claim back the same tax relief as other police officers and some extras due to the unique nature of their job.
As a police officer who wears a uniform you’re entitled to claim a tax rebate for the cost of cleaning your work attire. The allowance is the same for all uniformed officers and you don’t need receipts to claim.
Tax relief can be claimed against other work expenses with varying degrees of evidence needed.
This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly what you can claim, how to apply for rebates dating back up to four years, and additional benefits you might be missing, including federation subscriptions and work-related vehicle expenses.
With HMRC processing most claims within about 8-12 weeks and the potential to adjust your tax code for ongoing savings, understanding your entitlements isn’t just helpful – it’s financially essential for every police professional.
Tax rebates for police dog handlers only
As the human in the partnership, you have the additional responsibility of your dog’s well-being. In acknowledgement of this, HMRC allow for some tax relief for the cost of travelling between your home and permanent place of work with the dog.
The following requirements must be met;
- You live in police authority premises or in approved private housing.
- You have full responsibility for exercising, feeding and grooming and receive a grooming allowance to cover this expense.
- You have total responsibility for controlling the dog’s behaviour when you are off duty, as well as on the job.
- It is a requirement of your job that the dog lives in your home or in a nearby kennel and you are given any equipment you need.
Not only can you claim for commuting costs, but if you satisfy all of these criteria then you can also claim the travel costs from your home to the nearest place you can exercise your dog.
Tax rebates for all Police Officers
There are other tax reliefs which apply to all police officers;
- Your subscription fees to the Police Federation (not if you are employed by the Metropolitan police force).
- Laundering your police uniform – this is a flat rate currently worth £140.00 per tax year.
- Any work travel undertaken in your own private vehicle between different locations. As long as this has not already been reimbursed by your employer.
- Work related items which could include torches or other specialised equipment needed to undertake your duties.
Police Tax Facts
- You can backdate an initial claim for 4 years.
- Your tax code will change to incorporate tax savings in the future.
- This tax overspend cannot be automatically refunded by HMRC – you have to make an official claim.
- Evidence will be needed to prove expenditure for all expenses other than the flat rate uniform allowance.
- Communications between you and HMRC are private and do not involve your employer.
How do I claim tax relief as a police dog handler?
For most Police officers using HMRC’s digital claim platform is the easiest and most efficient way to submit your claim.
You can find the online claim form on .GOV here.
The platform allows claims for multiple tax periods (up to four years prior), so you can submit backdated claims using a single form for convenience.
A paper-based P87 form is available for download from the HMRC website if you would prefer to post your claim.
When filling out either the P87 or the online version, include your banking information if you want to receive payment via bank transfer.
Police officers who submit self-assessment tax returns should not use a P87; instead, they should include all claim details in the relevant employment sections of their tax return.
Tony Shanks