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General Employee — tax deductions you can claim

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.

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What you can claim

  • Uniforms

    Only if compulsory or occupation-specific — plain/conventional clothing is never deductible.

  • Union fees

    Membership fees for your workplace union.

  • Self-education

    Directly tied to your current role.

  • Home office running costs

    Running costs for working from home.

    70c/hour fixed rate
  • Work-related phone/car use

    With a diary or logbook to substantiate the work-related portion.

  • Tools/equipment

    Items $300 or less used mainly for income-producing purposes.

    instant write-off ≤$300

Commonly missed deductions

People in this occupation often forget to claim these — check they apply to you.

  • Union and professional association fees
  • Home office running costs when hours aren't formally tracked
  • Small tools/equipment bought personally and not reimbursed

What you can't claim

  • Plain/conventional clothing, even if only worn to work

  • Normal home-to-work commuting

  • Private expenses reimbursed by your employer

Records the ATO expects

  • ReceiptReceipts for any claimed purchases

  • DiaryWorking-from-home hours diary if claiming home office costs

General information only, not tax advice — content last reviewed 01/07/2026 against ATO guidance for FY2025-26. Whether a specific expense is deductible depends on your individual circumstances; confirm with a registered tax agent or the ATO before lodging.

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