3 Tax Deductions Most Employees Miss (And How to Track Them)
A CPA's pick of three tax deductions Australian employees most often overlook — home office, work clothing and laundry, and self-education — plus how to keep records.
By AvaShort answer
As a CPA, I review hundreds of tax returns every year, and the most common pattern is hardworking people leaving money on the table simply because they didn't know what they could claim. Three deductions consistently get overlooked: home office expenses, work clothing and laundry, and self-education.
The common thread? Record-keeping. Fix that, and these deductions become easy.
1. Home office expenses (even if you're not fully remote)
If you work from home even occasionally, you can claim the fixed-rate method of 67c per hour. That covers energy, internet, phone usage and stationery. No dedicated office needed — just a clear record of the hours you worked from home.
2. Work-related clothing and laundry
Uniforms, protective footwear, and even sunscreen if you work outdoors are all potentially deductible. And don't forget the laundry — you can generally claim up to $1.50 per wash load without receipts.
3. Self-education and professional development
Courses, seminars and subscriptions directly related to your current job are deductible. If you're a nurse doing a specialist course or a tradie upgrading a licence, keep the receipts.
The fix: track it through the year
The reason these get missed is almost always poor record-keeping. Snap receipts as you go and keep a simple log of work-from-home hours, so that at tax time you're ready rather than scrambling. A tool like AusTax AI can keep receipts and records organised year-round, which makes claiming what you're entitled to far easier.
Start today — your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim home office expenses if I only work from home sometimes?
Yes. If you work from home even occasionally, you can use the ATO fixed-rate method (67c per hour) to cover energy, internet, phone and stationery. You just need a clear record of the hours you worked from home — a dedicated office isn't required.