Most Australians underclaim at tax time — not from greed, but from not knowing what’s legitimately deductible in their line of work.
This free guided checklist shows the deductions specific to your industry, what they’re typically worth, what evidence you need, and what NOT to try claiming. Built by registered tax agents.
Tax Deduction Finder by Industry
The deductions specific to your trade or profession — and what to skip.
Pick your situation
Three steps, two minutes
Pick your industry
20+ Australian occupations from tradies and medical to NDIS, hospitality and IT. The checklist filters to deductions specific to your work.
Tick what applies
Three tabs: Commonly claimed (don’t miss these), Often missed (the easy wins), and Don’t claim (the traps).
See your potential total
A running tally shows the estimated total of items you’ve ticked, based on typical Australian return ranges.
Before you claim anything
Every deduction must pass three tests, or the ATO will deny it on review.
| Test | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1. You spent the money | You — not your employer, not your client. If you were reimbursed, it’s not deductible. |
| 2. Direct connection to earning income | There must be a clear link between the expense and how you earn your income. |
| 3. You have evidence | Receipts, invoices, logbooks, diaries — you must be able to substantiate the claim if asked. |
Questions we hear a lot
Is this an exhaustive list?
No — it’s a guided checklist of the deductions we see most often in our clients’ returns. There are always industry-specific items that depend on your exact role. A tax agent will pick up the rest based on your actual situation.
What records do I need to keep?
Receipts for individual expenses over $10 (under $10 can be on a diary). For vehicle, work-from-home, and phone/internet you need a representative log — usually 12 weeks for vehicle, 4 weeks for phone, hours diary for work-from-home. Keep records for 5 years after lodging.
Where does my data go?
Nowhere. The tool runs entirely in your browser. No data is sent to Trinity, no signup, no email capture. Close the tab and your selections are gone.
What’s the “$300 rule” people keep mentioning?
Single tools or equipment costing $300 or less can be claimed in full in the year of purchase. Items over $300 must be depreciated over their effective life. For sole traders/businesses, the instant asset write-off threshold is currently $20,000 per asset (verify the current threshold — it changes).
Can I claim my home office if I work from home occasionally?
Yes — the ATO’s fixed rate method (70c per hour, from 1 Jul 2024) covers electricity, internet, phone, stationery, and home office cleaning. You need to keep a record of the hours you worked from home. The actual cost method gives bigger deductions but requires more records.
My employer reimbursed me — can I still claim it?
No. If you were fully reimbursed, you can’t claim it. If you were partially reimbursed (e.g., received an allowance that didn’t cover the full cost), you can claim the unreimbursed portion.
What about my study and HECS?
Self-education is deductible if it maintains or improves the skills you use in your CURRENT job, or is likely to lead to increased income from your CURRENT job. It’s NOT deductible if it’s helping you get a new job in a different field. HECS-HELP debts themselves are never directly deductible.
