What can I claim?

Media Professionals

For employed journalists, producers, and editors. Equipment and professional subscriptions relevant to your current beat are the main claim categories.

Teachers and Education Professionals

For teachers, tutors, and early childhood educators employed by a school, TAFE, or education provider. Deductions are limited to costs you paid yourself and weren't reimbursed for, and that directly relate to your current teaching role.

Nurses and Midwives

For registered and enrolled nurses, midwives, and aged care nurses employed on a salary or agency basis. Uniform and registration costs are the biggest claim categories, but plain scrubs generally don't qualify.

Doctors and Medical Professionals

For salaried doctors, specialists, and medical practitioners. Registration, college fees, and CPD are the biggest claim categories — note indemnity insurance apportioned to private practice is claimed against that income, not your salary.

Paramedics

For employed paramedics and ambulance officers. Registration renewal and compulsory uniform laundering are the main claims.

Office Workers and Public Servants

For administrative, clerical, and government employees. Deductions are modest compared to trades or healthcare, with home office running costs the main claim.

Engineers

For civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineers employed by a firm. Professional body membership, chartered status, and site PPE are the main claim categories.

Lawyers

For employed solicitors, barristers, and legal counsel. Practising certificates and Law Society/Bar Association membership are the main annual claim.

Call Centre Operators

For employed call centre and customer service staff, particularly those working hybrid or fully from home. Headsets and home office running costs are the main claims.

Recruitment Consultants

For employed recruitment consultants and talent acquisition specialists. Self-funded job board/LinkedIn subscriptions are the most commonly missed claim.

General Employee

A general-purpose guide for any employee whose occupation isn't yet covered by a dedicated guide. It covers only the universal ATO rules that apply to every employee — check back as more occupation guides are added.

Hairdressers and Beauty Professionals

For hairdressers, barbers, and beauty therapists employed by a salon. Tools of trade and their maintenance are the main claim — personal grooming is not deductible.

Cleaners

For employed commercial and domestic cleaners. Equipment, products, and travel between multiple client sites are the main claim categories.

Fitness and Sporting Industry Employees

For employed personal trainers, gym instructors, and fitness industry staff. A personal gym membership used for your own fitness is not deductible even though it's an odd exception in this line of work.

Police Officers

For police officers and protective services officers. Fitness-related claims are one of the most disputed areas — the ATO expects a genuine compulsory link, not general fitness.

Security Guards

For employed security guards and crowd controllers. Licence renewal and compulsory uniform costs are the main claims.

Retail Workers

For retail assistants, cashiers, and store managers. A compulsory branded uniform and its laundering is the most commonly missed claim in this occupation.

Hospitality Workers

For chefs, cooks, bartenders, and other hospitality staff. Knives and compulsory chef whites are the standout claims for kitchen staff.

Real Estate Agents and Property Managers

For real estate agents, property managers, and leasing consultants employed by an agency. Car expenses tend to be the largest claim given the high kilometres for inspections and client meetings.

Sales and Marketing

For sales representatives, account managers, and marketing managers. Client entertainment is one of the most commonly wrongly-claimed items for this occupation.

IT Professionals

For software engineers, developers, sysadmins, and other salaried IT professionals. Home office costs and role-relevant certifications are the biggest claim categories.

Tradesperson

For licensed tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and painters employed by a business. Tools, PPE, and vehicle costs where you carry bulky tools are the main claim areas.

Building and Construction Employees

For site-based construction workers, labourers, and supervisors — distinct from a licensed tradesperson. PPE and site tickets are the main claim categories.

Truck Drivers

For employed truck drivers, including interstate and heavy vehicle drivers. Overnight travel expenses are the largest and most commonly claimed category.

Flight Attendants

For employed flight attendants and cabin crew. Grooming claims are one of the narrowest and most audited categories — only specific, policy-mandated items qualify.