As a trade professional, you can claim a wide range of expenses on your tax return, including costs related to protective clothing, tools and equipment, and travel between job sites. Training and certification costs may also be tax-deductible, especially when they directly enhance your skills.
For example, enrolling in courses like the White Card, Traffic Control, Traffic Management, Elevated Work Platform (EWP), Certificate III in Carpentry, or Certificate IV in Building and Construction can be considered deductible expenses. These certifications not only improve your employability but also meet the criteria for self-education deductions, making it easier to claim the cost of training that helps you perform your job more effectively.
Top Common Tax Deductions
Protective Gear and Work Clothing Items like steel-toed boots, gloves, and high-visibility vests are essential on construction sites and fully deductible.
Tools and Equipment Expenses for tools and equipment are generally deductible, whether you bought them outright or financed them over time. Repairs and maintenance on existing tools also qualify.
Vehicle and Travel Expenses Travel between job sites can be claimed, along with costs associated with vehicle maintenance, fuel, and repairs if your vehicle is a core part of your work.
Self-Education and Training Certifications like those offered at Origin Institute are powerful additions to your resume and help you maintain or improve your trade skills, qualifying as self-education expenses. This applies to both short courses, like White Card, Traffic Control, Traffic Management, Elevated Work Platform (EWP) and formal qualifications, such as Certificate III in Carpentry and Certificate IV in Building and Construction.
Other Expenses Additional claimable items include phone bills, union fees, and insurance premiums, all of which are essential to support your work in the trades.
Tradesperson Tax Deduction Checklist
Expense | Eligibility |
Car or truck expenses | When transporting heavy tools or equipment to and from work sites |
Transport expenses | Including parking fees and tolls for multiple job locations |
Work clothing and protective gear | Items with company logos or offering protection like hard hats and gloves |
Insurance for personal tools or equipment | If used for work purposes, partial deduction applies if also used outside work |
Self-education costs | Courses, training, or seminars directly related to your current line of work, such as Certificate IV in Building and Construction |
Union and professional association fees | Tax-deductible if related to your trade or profession |
Licence renewal fees | Excluding initial costs |
Overtime meal expenses | If included in assessable income under industrial law, award, or agreement |
Phone and internet expenses | For work-related usage not covered by your employer |
First aid training course | If designated as a first aid person and required for emergency work situations |
Home office or workshop expenses | Including heating, cooling, and equipment repairs |
Travel expenses | Accommodation and meals for work-related travel, excluding regular workdays |
For a successful tax claim, it’s crucial to maintain detailed records of all work-related expenses, especially those related to training and certifications. If you need a tax invoice for courses completed at Origin Institute, please email admission@origin.edu.au.
Looking to enrol in training like the White Card Course or Building and Construction qualifications to boost your skills and maximize deductions for next year? Simply click the button below to get started.
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