Everyone wants to pay less tax, right? To do that, you need to know what you can claim and what you can’t. We provide examples below about what you can claim on tax in Australia. When it comes to tax deductions, the rule is simple. If it is directly related to earning your income, you may be able to claim it.

But the details are where people get caught out. Here is a clear breakdown of what is typically tax deductible (and what isn’t).

You can usually claim:

1. Work-related memberships, training + education

• Professional membership fees
• Seminars, conferences, or training courses
  *As long as they are directly connected to your current job (not a new career)

2. Stationery + office supplies

Small day-to-day items may be deductible:

• Stationery (pens, paper, diaries)
• Log books
• Calculators and organisers

3. Tools, tech + equipment

If you use it for work, you may be able to claim it:

• Tools and equipment
• Computers and software
  Quick Rule:
• Under $300 → claim immediately
• Over $300 → claim over time (depreciation)

4. Protective gear + safety items

Typically, you may be able to claim items that protect you at work, including:

• Safety glasses, helmets, boots
• Gloves or masks
• Sunscreen or sunglasses (if working outdoors)

5. Work-related clothing (only certain types)

Not all clothing is deductible, but you may be able to claim:

• Compulsory work uniforms
• Registered uniforms
• Occupation-specific clothing (e.g. chef, nurse)
• Protective clothing
  ❌ Regular clothes (even if only worn to work) don’t count.

6. Working from home

If you work from home, you may be able to claim:
Running costs:

• Electricity, internet
• Phone usage
• Office furniture (using depreciation)
  ⚠️ Be careful:
  Occupancy costs (like rent or mortgage) are only claimable if your home is genuinely a place of business, not just occasional WFH.

7. Travel

Some travel is deductible, including:

• Travel between two work locations
• Work trips (flights, accommodation, meals)
• Carrying bulky equipment with no secure storage
• Jobs with no fixed workplace (e.g. itinerant roles)
  ❌ Not deductible: Your normal commute between home and work

8. “Sometimes deductible” items

These depend heavily on your job and how they are used:

• Newspapers or subscriptions (must directly relate to your income)
• Airport lounge memberships (rare and only for clear work use)

9. What you generally can’t claim

These are almost always private expenses:

• Childcare fees
• Everyday clothing
• Watches (even if used at work)
• General news or lifestyle subscriptions
• Your daily commute

Key Tax Deduction Takeaway

Tax deductions are not about what you buy, they are about why your bought it.
If the expense is work-related, not private in nature, and you paid for it yourself, you may be able to claim it.

Everyone’s situation is different, and small details can change what you’re eligible to claim. If you’re unsure, it is always worth checking with an advisor before lodging. This isn’t about “creative accounting” or pushing boundaries. It is about claiming what you’re genuinely entitled to and nothing more.

This article is a guide only, highlighting the many variables of eligibility for claims depending on your situation and work. For a full list, please read more at Tax Deductions you can claim on the ATO website.

If you have a side gig, you may be required to pay tax on your income. Read more to see if it affects you here.

Published July 2026
The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute financial advice.