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Tax Deductions for NDIS Support Workers: A Complete Guide for 2024

👉 Trinity Accounting Practice
✅ Accounting Firm in Beverly Hills
☎️ 02 9543 6804
📍 159 Stoney Creek Road Beverly Hills NSW 2209
🌐 www.trinitygroup.com.au
📅 Weekend & after-hours appointments available!
📅 Booking Link: https://calendly.com/ramy-hanna

Introduction: Are You Missing Out on Tax Deductions?

As an NDIS support worker, you play a critical role in your community—and you also run a business. That means you may be entitled to several tax deductions that can reduce your taxable income. But if you’re unsure what you can and can’t claim, you’re not alone.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through:

• What deductions are available
• What you need to track
• What the ATO expects
• Tips for better tax time planning

Let’s dive in and ensure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.

Section 1: Deductions You Can Claim with Confidence ✅

Here are the most common deductions available to NDIS support workers, especially sole traders or contractors.

1.1 Professional Fees & Insurance

You can claim:

• Industry association memberships
• Registration fees (e.g., NDIS Worker Screening Check)
• Professional indemnity or public liability insurance
• Union fees

1.2 Protective Equipment

Expenses for:

• Gloves, masks, hand sanitiser
• Non-slip shoes
• PPE for specific client care
• Sunscreen (if working outdoors)
  Are all deductible if not reimbursed by your client/employer.

1.3 Training & Conferences

Any professional development directly related to your role—such as first aid refreshers, client care workshops, or NDIS framework training—is deductible. If travel and accommodation are necessary, those costs are also claimable.

1.4 Work-Related Equipment

You can claim:

• Work-use phones or tablets
• Laptops
• Medical tools
• Disability ramps or client care tools

If the item costs over $300, depreciation applies. If it’s used personally and professionally, only the work-related portion is deductible.

1.5 Business Travel

Eligible travel expenses include:

• Mileage between multiple job sites
• Public transport between client appointments
• Overnight accommodation if required
• Parking and tolls (excluding home-to-work travel)

1.6 Working from Home Expenses

There are two methods:

• Fixed Rate ($0.67/hour from 1 July 2023)
• Actual Cost Method (requires more detailed record-keeping)

Expenses include:

• Electricity, internet, phone
• Decline in value of office furniture
• Cleaning and maintenance of work space

Section 2: Deductions You Might Be Able to Claim ⚠️

These deductions depend on your work circumstances and proper record-keeping.

2.1 Car Expenses

If you use your personal vehicle between clients or job sites, you can claim:

• A per-kilometre rate (up to 5,000 km/year)
• Or actual expenses via a logbook method (fuel, servicing, depreciation)

2.2 Work Uniform & Laundry

Claimable if:

• You wear a specific uniform with a logo
• Protective clothing is required for your role
• You launder the work clothing yourself

Non-claimable if it's general clothing, even if worn for work.

2.3 Special Licences

If your role requires a heavy vehicle or other special licence, costs may be deductible. Standard driver’s licences are not claimable.

2.4 Meals While Working

Only deductible if:

• You are required to stay overnight for work purposes
• You incur meals during official training or conferences

Daily or on-site meals during regular shifts aren’t claimable.

2.5 Study and Self-Education

Courses are deductible if they:

• Improve skills directly related to your current role
• Are not intended to change careers
  You can also claim textbooks, stationery, and transport to your course.

Section 3: Deductions You Cannot Claim ❌

Avoid claiming these non-deductible expenses:

3.1 Childcare

Whether centre-based, at-home, or informal arrangements—these are considered personal expenses.

3.2 Entertainment or Social Events

Social lunches, parties, or non-work-related events—even if they include clients—are not tax-deductible.

3.3 Glasses and Contact Lenses

Even if needed for work, these are seen as personal health expenses by the ATO.

3.4 Grooming Costs

Haircuts, skincare, makeup, and similar costs are always non-deductible, regardless of client-facing roles.

Section 4: Record-Keeping Tips to Maximise Deductions

Proper documentation is essential. Here’s how to stay audit-ready:

• Keep receipts for all work-related purchases
• Use digital apps to log travel or hours worked from home
• Maintain a car logbook (if claiming via the logbook method)
• Record invoices and payment summaries
• Save insurance and registration certificates

Trinity Accounting Practice can help set up simple systems using tools like Xero, SuiteFiles, and ClickUp to manage records efficiently.

Section 5: Case Study – Optimising Deductions for Real Clients

Case Study: Rebecca – Sydney-Based Support Worker

Rebecca works across four different suburbs, seeing 6–8 clients weekly. Before working with Trinity Accounting:

• She claimed only a few deductions (e.g. PPE)
• Had no car logbook
• Missed out on home office expenses

After one planning session, we helped her:

✅ Set up a digital car logbook
✅ Claim internet and mobile use for work
✅ Deduct laptop and equipment expenses
✅ Structure invoices and payments for BAS lodgement

Outcome? Her 2024 tax return refund increased by $3,200 compared to the previous year.

Section 6: Common Questions NDIS Workers Ask

Q: Can I claim fuel for visiting a client?

Yes, if the trip is from one job site to another—not from home to your first job.

Q: What if I use my phone for both work and personal use?

You can claim the work-related percentage. Estimate conservatively and keep call logs.

Q: Can I claim internet if I don’t work from home often?

You can claim a percentage, but you must justify how much of your internet is used for work.

Conclusion: Let’s Maximise Your Next Tax Return

NDIS support workers have unique work conditions—and with the right guidance, you can optimise your tax outcomes without stress.

Let Trinity Accounting Practice help you with:

• BAS and GST lodgement
• Individual and sole trader tax returns
• Claiming all allowable deductions
• Year-round support for peace of mind

Book Your Consultation Today

👉 Trinity Accounting Practice
✅ Accounting Firm in Beverly Hills
☎️ 02 9543 6804
📍 159 Stoney Creek Road Beverly Hills NSW 2209
🌐 www.trinitygroup.com.au
📅 Booking Link: https://calendly.com/ramy-hanna

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