Claim what's yours, keep what you claim

Tax deductions: what you can actually claim

Q: What makes an expense deductible?

Three tests: you spent the money yourself and weren't reimbursed, the expense directly relates to earning your income, and you have a record to prove it. Private or domestic portions are never deductible.

Q: Can I claim working from home?

Yes, if you genuinely work from home. The ATO offers methods to calculate running costs, each with specific record requirements (like hours worked from home). The best method depends on your situation; we choose it with you.

Q: How do vehicle deductions work?

Two main methods: cents per kilometre (capped kilometres, simpler records) or the logbook method (percentage of actual costs, needs a valid 12-week logbook). Commuting from home to your regular workplace generally doesn't count.

Q: Is the accounting fee deductible?

Yes. Costs of managing your tax affairs, including preparation by a registered agent, are generally deductible in the following year's return.

The categories that matter, the records the ATO expects, and the traps that turn refunds into review letters. By registered tax agents.

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The golden rule

An expense is deductible when you paid it yourself (not reimbursed), it directly relates to earning your income, and you have a record. Mixed personal/work use? Only the work portion counts. Everything else is detail, important detail.

The big categories

Where most deductions live

Work-related expenses

Tools, equipment, protective clothing and mandatory uniforms, union fees, licences and registrations your job requires.

Working from home

Running costs for genuine work-from-home hours, calculated with an ATO method and backed by records of your hours.

Vehicle & travel

Work trips (not commuting): cents-per-km or logbook method. Also work-related travel like accommodation for legitimate work purposes.

Self-education

Courses that maintain or improve skills for your current income (not a new career), including materials and certain travel.

Phone, internet & subscriptions

The work-use portion of your phone and internet, plus professional subscriptions, journals and required software.

Donations, super & fees

Gifts to registered charities (DGRs), personal super contributions you claim, income protection insurance and last year's tax agent fee.

Records or it didn't happen

What the ATO accepts as proof

Receipts and tax invoices (photos of paper ones are fine)

Bank and card statements showing the purchase

Diaries or timesheets of work-from-home hours

A valid 12-week logbook for vehicle percentage claims

Kept for five years from lodgement

The safe rule: no record, no claim

Smartphone photographing a receipt to keep tax deduction records organised for the ATO

Records made easy

A photo today saves a deduction tomorrow

Capture receipts as they happen and every legitimate claim survives even the closest look.

Deductions FAQ

The questions we hear every July

What makes an expense deductible?

Three tests: you paid it yourself (not reimbursed), it directly relates to earning your income, and you have a record. Private portions never count.

Can I claim working from home?

Yes, if you genuinely work from home, using an ATO method with its record requirements (like hours worked). We pick the best method for your case.

How do vehicle deductions work?

Cents-per-km (capped, simpler) or logbook (percentage of actual costs, valid 12-week logbook). Home-to-work commuting generally doesn't count.

How long do I keep receipts?

Generally five years from lodgement. Digital copies are fine; photograph paper receipts before they fade.

Is the accounting fee deductible?

Yes, costs of managing your tax affairs (including a registered agent preparing your return) are generally deductible next year.

Don't guess your deductions. Have them checked.

A registered agent reviews your claims for your occupation, from $170, fully online.

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