All calculators

Police Officers — tax deductions you can claim

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.

Help us make this tool better — are you a tax agent or accountant? Review or test this calculator and get your agency listed here.

What you can claim

  • Compulsory equipment

    Equipment not supplied by the employer.

  • Compulsory fitness testing

    Costs directly tied to maintaining specific, compulsory operational fitness standards — not a general gym membership.

  • Self-funded professional development

    Courses for promotion or role-specific skills.

  • Union fees

    Membership fees for your police union.

  • 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.

  • Laundering of a compulsory uniform
  • Renewal of a firearms licence where required for the role and self-funded
  • Specific protective equipment bought personally (torches, gloves, notebook covers)
  • Overtime meal costs covered by an award allowance

What you can't claim

  • A general gym membership for personal fitness — only very specific compulsory fitness-test-related costs may qualify, and this is a frequently disputed area, so be conservative

  • Grooming/haircuts

  • Home-to-station commuting

Records the ATO expects

  • ReceiptUniform/equipment receipts

  • DiaryLaundry log

  • InvoiceCourse/training invoices

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.

Related occupations