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Lawyers — tax deductions you can claim

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

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What you can claim

  • Practising certificate renewal

    Annual renewal fee for your practising certificate.

  • Law Society/Bar Association membership

    Membership and CPD requirements.

  • Legal reference subscriptions

    Case law database subscriptions not covered by the firm.

  • Professional indemnity insurance

    Where self-funded.

  • Work bag/briefcase

    Bag used to carry files.

  • Work-related phone/internet

    Work-related portion of phone and internet use.

Commonly missed deductions

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

  • CPD seminar fees paid personally
  • Court robes/wigs and their maintenance for barristers
  • Legal journal subscriptions
  • Small stationery/printing for matters not reimbursed by the firm

What you can't claim

  • Ordinary suits/business attire

  • Admission ceremony costs to enter the profession initially

  • Home-to-chambers commuting

Records the ATO expects

  • ReceiptPractising certificate/membership receipts

  • InvoiceCPD invoices

  • Written evidenceSubscription statements

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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