EOFY Tax Deduction Calculator Checklist: What Work-Related Expenses You Can Actually Claim

What Counts as a Work-Related Expense?

You can claim a deduction for work-related expenses if you meet three conditions: you must have spent the money yourself and not been reimbursed, the expense must be directly related to earning your income, and you must have a record to prove it.

Common work-related expenses include:

• Work-related travel and car expenses
• Work-related clothing, laundry, and dry cleaning
• Work-related self-education
• Tools, equipment, and other work-related items

These categories reflect the types of expenses that the ATO typically accepts, but each must still satisfy the three conditions.

The Three Key Conditions

First, you must have incurred the expense. That means you paid for it, and you cannot claim any amount you were reimbursed for by your employer. Second, the expense must have a direct connection to earning your income — not a general benefit or a personal one. Third, you need evidence. Without a record, the ATO will not allow the deduction.

If you have a receipt, bank statement, or other documentary evidence, you are in a better position. But records alone are not enough if the expense does not meet the first two conditions.

How to Organise Your Records

Keeping a simple system can save you time and money. A common approach is to keep a separate folder — either physical or electronic — for your work-related receipts. Many people use a spreadsheet or an app to log their expenses. The key is to have the record before you claim.

A checklist can help you capture everything:

• Date of the expense
• Description of the expense
• Amount
• How it relates to your work
• A receipt or other evidence

Using a Calculator to Estimate Your Deduction

A work-related expenses calculator can help you estimate the deduction you might be eligible for. It works by asking you to enter details about your expenses, and it applies the rules to work out a potential deduction. But a calculator can only give an estimate — it cannot tell you if a specific expense is deductible. You still need to apply the conditions and keep the records.

Where to Get Help

If you are unsure whether an expense is deductible, you can seek advice from a registered tax agent. They can help you apply the rules to your situation. The ATO also provides guidance on work-related expenses, but it does not give advice on your specific circumstances.

Remember: this article is a general guide. It does not cover every situation or every type of expense. For your own tax return, consider whether each expense meets the three conditions and keep your records.