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Nurses and Midwives — tax deductions you can claim

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.

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What you can claim

  • Compulsory uniform items

    Stethoscope, fob watch, and compression stockings where compulsory wear.

  • Uniform laundering

    Laundering of a compulsory or logo-branded uniform.

  • Registration and membership fees

    AHPRA registration renewal and union/professional association fees.

  • Self-funded mandatory vaccinations

    Immunisations required for the role where you paid for them yourself.

  • Car travel between shifts at different sites

    Travel between different work sites in the same day.

    88c/km up to 5,000km, or logbook method
  • Overtime meal expenses

    Where covered by an award and included as allowance income.

  • Professional development

    Training directly tied to your current clinical specialty.

  • Clinical reference apps/subscriptions

    Nursing-specific reference apps and subscriptions.

Commonly missed deductions

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

  • Laundering costs for compulsory uniforms (a log helps even without keeping every receipt)
  • Name badge or ID card replacement
  • Slip-resistant/protective shoes that are part of a compulsory policy (not ordinary black shoes)
  • Indemnity insurance where not covered by your employer
  • Short courses for specific clinical skills (e.g. wound care, IV therapy) relevant to your current role

What you can't claim

  • Plain scrubs with no logo — generally treated as conventional clothing unless compulsory/occupation-specific under a documented policy

  • Everyday moisturiser or skincare

  • Gym memberships for general fitness

  • Travel from home to your regular hospital or ward

Records the ATO expects

  • ReceiptUniform purchase receipts

  • DiaryLaundry log/diary if claiming actual costs

  • ReceiptAHPRA/registration renewal receipt

  • DiaryTravel diary for multi-site shifts

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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