Top 10 Tax Reliefs You Might Be Missing in 2025/26

Every year, millions of pounds in tax relief go unclaimed. Whether you're employed, self-employed, or a landlord, there are likely allowances you aren't utilizing. Here are the top reliefs to check this tax year.

1. Marriage Allowance

If you’re married or in a civil partnership, you might be able to transfer £1,260 of your Personal Allowance to your partner. This can reduce their tax by up to £252 in the tax year. To benefit as a couple, the lower earner must normally have an income below your Personal Allowance (usually £12,570).

2. Working from Home Relief

If you have to work at home (for example, because your job requires you to live far away from your office or your employer doesn't have an office), you may be able to claim tax relief for additional household costs. Note that choosing to work from home doesn't usually qualify.

3. Uniform Tax Refund

If you wear a uniform at work and have to wash, repair, or replace it yourself, you may be able to reclaim tax. The standard flat-rate expense allowance for uniform maintenance is £60, meaning basic rate taxpayers can claim back £12.

4. Professional Subscriptions

Do you pay fees to join a professional body or learned society related to your job? If HMRC approves the organization, you can claim tax relief on these fees.

5. Rent-a-Room Relief

The Rent-a-Room Scheme lets you earn up to a threshold of £7,500 per year tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in your home. This is halved if you share the income with your partner or someone else.

6. Trading Allowance

You have a tax-free allowance of £1,000 a year for income from trading (like selling on eBay or Etsy) and another £1,000 for property income. If your income is below these limits, you don't even need to declare it.

7. Pension Contributions

Tax relief on private pension contributions is one of the most generous reliefs available. Basic rate taxpayers get a 20% top-up automatically. Higher and additional rate taxpayers can claim back an extra 20% or 25% through their tax return.

8. Gift Aid

Donating to charity? If you Gift Aid your donations, the charity gets an extra 25p for every £1 you give. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, you can also claim back the difference between the higher rate and basic rate tax on the donation.

9. Blind Person’s Allowance

If you’re registered blind or severely sight impaired, you can claim the Blind Person’s Allowance. For 2025/26, this adds an extra £3,070 to your tax-free Personal Allowance.

10. Starter Rate for Savings

If your other income (like wages or pension) is low, your savings income might be tax-free. The starting rate for savings allows up to £5,000 of interest to be tax-free if your other income is below £17,570.