How do I claim tax relief from HMRC?
You can claim most tax reliefs directly from HMRC, and it is always free to do so. The right route depends on the relief and whether you complete a Self Assessment return. Common methods include your online tax account, dedicated HMRC services and your tax return.
See everything you may qualify for — benefits, grants, reductions and reliefs — in about 3 minutes. Free to check.
Check what you're owed →How you claim tax relief depends mainly on your situation. If you complete a Self Assessment tax return, many reliefs — from job expenses to pension and Gift Aid relief — are claimed simply by entering the right figures on your return, which then feeds into your overall tax calculation for the year.
If you do not file a return, HMRC offers other routes, including your online tax account and dedicated services for specific reliefs such as job expenses or Marriage Allowance. For some claims you can contact HMRC directly. Whichever route applies, you will generally need details of the relevant amounts and, for some reliefs, supporting evidence.
A key point is that you never need to pay a third party a share of a refund to claim relief you are entitled to — claiming directly with HMRC is free, and you keep the full amount. It is also worth reviewing whether you can backdate claims to earlier years, and checking that you are claiming everything you qualify for rather than just the most obvious relief.
How to claim tax relief from HMRC
- Identify the relief. Work out which relief you are claiming and confirm you meet the conditions for it.
- Choose the right route. Use Self Assessment if you file one, otherwise your online tax account or a dedicated HMRC service.
- Gather your details. Collect the amounts and any evidence the claim needs, such as receipts or payment records.
- Submit and check earlier years. Make your claim directly with HMRC for free, and review whether earlier years can also be claimed.
Frequently asked questions
- Does it cost anything to claim?
- No. Claiming tax relief directly from HMRC is free. You never need to give a third party a share of a refund you can claim yourself.
- How do I claim if I file Self Assessment?
- Many reliefs are claimed by entering the figures on your tax return, which feeds into your overall calculation for the year.
- What if I do not file a return?
- You can use your online tax account, dedicated HMRC services for specific reliefs, or contact HMRC directly, depending on the relief.
- Can I claim for earlier years?
- Often yes. Many reliefs can be backdated to earlier years you qualified in, within HMRC’s time limits.
MoneyFinder is an independent sign-posting service that helps you find financial support you may be entitled to. We are not a government body and do not provide financial advice. Figures are taken from the official sources cited above and were correct when last checked — always confirm current details on the linked GOV.UK pages.