Can I claim tax relief for my CCTV licence?

As a security professional working with CCTV systems, your SIA Public Space Surveillance licence is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s also an opportunity to claim tax relief.

Usually you’ll have to pay for it out of your own pocket, with no help from your employer.

Through an agreement between the Security Industry Authority and HMRC, you can reclaim tax relief to help cover the cost of your unreimbursed CCTV licence fees.

Importantly the tax office allows security workers to reclaim tax relief on other work related expenses like washing of uniform and SIA licence subscription.

Security workers tax claims can be backdated for up to four previous tax years, offering substantial savings for long-term security professionals.

The following CCTV licence tax relief FAQs will guide you through the eligibility criteria and straightforward claim process, ensuring you don’t miss out on the tax relief you’re entitled to.

Am I eligible to claim tax relief on my CCTV license fee?

HMRC recognises that a professional license(s) are necessary expenses for maintaining your career in the security industry.

You are eligible to claim tax relief on your CCTV license fee if you meet these criteria:

• You’re required to hold a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) license for your security role.
• You paid for the license yourself (not reimbursed by your employer).
• The license is essential for performing your duties as a security worker.

This relief applies whether you’re employed full-time or working as a self-employed security professional.

How do I claim tax relief for my CCTV license fee?

Claiming your entitled relief is straightforward:

1. Gather evidence of your payment (receipts or bank statements showing your CCTV license fee).
2. For employed security workers: Use the HMRC online service to claim tax relief or submit form P87.

Choose the form P87 if you want to post your claim to HMRC.

If your expenses go over the £2,500 threshold in any one tax year a self assessment tax return should be completed instead.

1. For self-employed workers: Include the expense in your self assessment tax return.

You can claim for the current tax year and retrospectively for up to four previous tax years, so don’t miss out on what you’re rightfully owed.

Can security workers apply for anything else?

Security workers can claim for various other tax reliefs on their work-related expenses.

The most commonly approved claims include:

1. £60 per year uniform washing flat rate allowance (no evidence required).
2. The mandatory Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence registration fees, which are essential for working in the security sector.
3. Expenses for travelling to temporary work locations, whether using their personal vehicle or public transport.
4. Subsistence costs, including meals and refreshments, when working at temporary sites away from their usual workplace.

What documentation do I need to provide when claiming?

To support your CCTV claim successfully, you’ll need:

• Proof of payment for your CCTV license (receipts or statements)
• Your employment contract showing your role requires this qualification

For other types of work expenses apart from the uniform washing allowance evidence of the expense you have incurred will be expected.

Travel claims will require proof of your job requirements from your employer and HMRC compliant mileage records.

You can use our guide to claiming mileage for security officers to find out more.

Keeping organised records simplifies the process and helps ensure you receive your full entitlement and avoid a rejected claim.

How much tax relief can I expect to receive?

The amount of tax relief depends on your tax rate. For example:

• Basic rate taxpayers (20%) can receive up to £44 relief on a £220 license.
• Higher rate taxpayers (40%) can receive up to £88 relief.
• Additional rate taxpayers (45%) can receive up to £99 relief.

Remember, you’re claiming tax relief on the necessary expense, not a refund of the full license fee.

If you’re claiming for multiple years, your total refund could be substantial—particularly if you’ve renewed your license within the four-year claim period.

Common misconceptions about claiming tax relief on CCTV license fees

Security workers can overlook important aspects when claiming back tax relief:

• Misconception: You can’t claim if you work for an agency.

Truth: Your employment status doesn’t affect eligibility, only whether you personally paid the fee.

• Misconception: The claim process is too complicated.

Truth: The online process is usually straightforward, and HMRC or professional tax services can help if needed.

• Misconception: It’s only worth claiming for the current year.

Truth: You can claim retrospectively for up to four years, potentially recovering hundreds of pounds.

• Misconception: You can claim even if your employer paid for the license.

Truth: You can only claim for expenses you personally incurred.