Can temporary or agency workers claim mileage tax relief?

If you work through an agency or on a short-term contract and use your own vehicle for work, you may be eligible to claim a mileage tax rebate. Many temporary workers assume they’re not entitled to tax relief, but that’s often not the case.

Am I eligible if I’m paid through PAYE?

Yes. If you’re classed as an employee and taxed via PAYE — even through an agency — you’re entitled to claim mileage tax relief if:

• You use your own car or van for business travel
• Your employer or agency reimburses you less than 45p per mile (or not at all)

This includes:

• Temporary teaching assistants
• Agency care workers
• Supply tradespeople
• NHS bank staff

What journeys can I claim for?

You can claim mileage tax relief for:

• Travel between short-term job sites
• Client or patient visits
• Off-site training or work placements

You can’t claim for commuting to the same permanent workplace.

What if my agency didn’t reimburse me?

If you didn’t receive any mileage payments, you could be entitled to claim the full HMRC rate. That’s 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles in a tax year.

Example:

• 2,000 business miles, no reimbursement
• Tax relief = up to £400, depending on your tax rate

Can I claim if I’ve left the agency?

Yes. You can backdate your mileage rebate for up to four years, even if you no longer work for the agency.

Claim your rebate today

If you’ve worked through an agency and travelled for work, don’t miss out. Use our mileage rebate calculator to see what you could be owed.