Do you need receipts to claim mileage tax relief
The worry about receipts stops people claiming
Mileage is one of the biggest expenses PAYE workers can claim back. Yet thousands never apply because they assume they need piles of fuel receipts to prove it. The truth is different. HMRC does not require petrol receipts for Mileage Allowance Relief.
What HMRC actually requires
HMRC relief is based on miles driven, not fuel cost. That means you claim a set allowance per mile, not your actual petrol spend. To qualify, you need a record of your business journeys.
A mileage log should show:
Date of each journey
Start and finish location
Number of miles driven
Purpose of the trip
This can be a notebook, a spreadsheet, or an app. The key is that it is accurate and covers all your work trips.
Do you need fuel receipts
No. HMRC does not ask for fuel receipts to claim mileage tax relief. The relief is calculated from miles not from fuel spend. You only need receipts if you are claiming actual expenses outside the mileage scheme.
Best ways to track your mileage
Keep a paper logbook in your vehicle
Use a simple spreadsheet updated weekly
Download a mileage tracking app that records trips automatically
Choose the method you will actually stick to. Consistency matters more than format.
What happens if you do not keep records
If you cannot show a mileage log, HMRC may reject your claim or reduce it. They need evidence that the journeys were genuine business travel. Guessing miles at the end of the year is risky.
Can you backdate claims without receipts
Yes, you can backdate claims for up to four years as long as you have records. Even if your log is simple, that is enough. Many employees reclaim several years at once and receive refunds worth thousands.
How to submit your claim
You can apply directly through HMRC using form P87 or by including it in your Self Assessment. Alternatively, TaxBax can handle everything for you, from calculating the shortfall to preparing your log for HMRC.
Why TaxBax helps
We know the rules inside out and keep up with HMRC’s latest requirements. We guide you on what evidence you need, prepare your paperwork and deal with HMRC for you.
Start your mileage claim with TaxBax today and let us take the stress out of the process.
