Tax Tabbing
Tax Tabbing for Staff Uniforms
Discreet, permanently attached logo tabs that mark smart everyday clothing as your company uniform.
What is tax tabbing?
A small branded label that turns everyday clothing into a uniform
A tax tab is a small, discreet label carrying your company logo, permanently sewn onto the outside of a garment.
It lets your team wear smart, unbranded-looking clothing – suits, shirts, blouses, trousers and knitwear – while the garment is still permanently marked as your company's uniform. It's ideal where a large embroidered logo would look out of place, such as front-of-house, reception and management teams.
Why it matters
Uniform, not a taxable perk
HMRC treats clothing that is recognisably a uniform differently from ordinary clothing an employer provides. Its guidance says that fixing a permanent and conspicuous badge to what would otherwise be ordinary clothing may be enough to make it a uniform – but a detachable badge is not.
A sewn-on tax tab is a permanent, visible company mark, which is why many businesses use them on corporatewear. Without one, plain clothing supplied to staff could be treated as a taxable benefit.
- Discreet branding that keeps a smart, professional look
- Permanently attached – it can't be removed like a pin badge
- Helps identify garments as company uniform
- Works on suiting, shirts, trousers, knitwear, aprons and more
Where tax tabs go
Visible on the outside of every garment
Tabs are sewn where they can be seen, usually in the same place on every garment so your team looks consistent.
Above the chest pocket or on the outer cuff.
On the lapel or the outer sleeve cuff.
On the waistband, beside the belt loops.
On the hem or the sleeve cuff.
On the bib or above the pocket.
How it works
Four simple steps
We'll produce a proof of your tab for you to approve before anything is made.
Pick from our full range of corporatewear, hospitality and workwear.
Pick a standard position for each garment type so every uniform matches.
Tabs are permanently sewn on in-house and your uniforms are delivered ready to wear.
FAQs
Tax tabbing questions
What is a tax tab?
A small label with your company logo that is permanently sewn onto the outside of a garment, so it is clearly identifiable as your company's uniform.
Why is it called a tax tab?
HMRC guidance says a permanent and conspicuous badge on otherwise ordinary clothing may be enough to make it a uniform. Uniform isn't treated in the same way as ordinary clothing provided to staff, which can be a taxable benefit.
Does a removable badge or name badge count?
No. HMRC guidance is clear that a detachable badge is not enough to make clothing a uniform – the mark needs to be permanent.
Which garments can be tax tabbed?
Most garments, including suits, blazers, shirts, blouses, trousers, skirts, knitwear, fleeces, aprons and tabards.
Can I use tax tabs as well as embroidery?
Yes. Many customers embroider front-of-house garments and use discreet tax tabs on suiting and formalwear. See our branding options.
Is tax tabbing guaranteed to make clothing tax-free?
No – HMRC looks at each case on its own facts. Tax tabbing helps show clothing is a uniform, but we're not tax advisers, so please check your own situation with your accountant.
Please note
This page is general information based on HMRC's published guidance on uniforms, not tax advice. Speak to your accountant about your business's own circumstances.
Ready to tax tab your uniforms?
Call us on 0800 195 4900 or 01292 618344, or email sales@kylemark.co.uk.
Ready to kit out your team?
Talk to our team about branded uniforms, embroidery and bespoke garments.