Claiming Protective Clothing: The Greatest Guide

Let’s face it—if your job puts you in the firing line of mud, fire, grease, or gravity, you might be able to score some sweet tax deductions for your workwear. But don’t go claiming your weekend flannel just yet.  

What Counts as Protective Clothing?

If it’s built to shield you from danger, you’re in luck. We’re talking gear that protects against:

• Heat

• Cold

• Dirt

• Chemicals

• Injury

Examples you can claim:

• Hi-vis shirts or vests

• Steel-capped boots or safety boots

• Flame-retardant gear

• Boiler suits or overalls

• Aprons that stop sparks or spills

• Gloves, goggles, safety glasses

• Hard hats

• Clothing with UPF-rated sun protection

• Non-slip shoes (nurses, chefs—we see you!)

What You Can’t Claim

• Everyday clothes (even if you only wear them for work)

• Clothes your boss says are “compulsory” but are just regular polos and pants

• Items without a protective feature

Compulsory Uniforms

You can claim if:

• Your boss enforces a strict policy

• The uniform is distinctive and branded (company logos, unique colours)

You can’t claim:

• Generic black pants and white shirts

• Items that aren’t enforced or branded

Non-Compulsory Uniforms

The uniform must be registered with AusIndustry to be claimable. Yep, there’s a register for that.

Shoes, Socks & Stockings

• Claim only if they’re part of a compulsory uniform or have protective features (like non-slip or steel-toe)

• No claim for your regular Bonds or RM Williams

What About Cleaning?

If you wash your protective gear at home, you can:

• Use the ATO’s standard rates (no receipts needed)

• Or claim actual costs if you’ve got receipts

Keep a diary if you're doing it yourself. No one wants to calculate detergent per sock.

Records You’ll Need

• Receipts for purchases

• Diary/logbook for self-laundry

• Your employer’s uniform or PPE policy

Common Traps

• Don’t claim regular clothes—even if your boss calls them “uniform”

• No receipts? No claim.

• Don’t get cheeky with that workwear lookalike that isn’t actually protective

Real-Life FAQs

Q: Can I claim my steel-capped boots?
A: Yes, they’re protective. Lace ‘em up and claim ‘em.

Q: What about my chef’s pants?
A: If they’re protective (like spill-resistant or heat-safe), yes. If they’re just cotton pants? No.

Q: Can I claim my snazzy business suit?
A: Absolutely not. That’s fashion, not function.

Q: I get a uniform allowance. Can I still claim?
A: You bet. Just remember—you’ll need to include the allowance as income.

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