FIFO Workers: Maximise Your Tax Deductions and Boost Refunds

FIFO Workers: Your No-BS Guide to Tax Deductions

Published: April 2025

If you’re a FIFO worker, you already know your job is tough—long swings away from home, crazy rosters, and even crazier weather.
But when it comes to tax time? It shouldn’t be another battle.

Getting your tax deductions right could mean hundreds (even thousands) back in your pocket. Thanks to some recent legal dust-ups—like the John Holland case—there are new rules that might actually work in your favour.

Here’s your easy, no-jargon guide to what FIFO workers can and can’t claim at tax time.

What is FIFO Work, Anyway?

FIFO stands for Fly-In, Fly-Out. You’re flown into a remote worksite (think mines, construction projects, offshore rigs) for a set period—maybe two weeks on, one week off—then flown back home.

Typical FIFO industries include:

• Mining

• Oil and Gas

• Construction

• Infrastructure Projects

Accommodation and meals are often supplied at camp or site facilities—but what you can claim on tax depends on how your travel and work are structured.

FIFO Workers and Tax Deductions: The Basics

The usual ATO rule is pretty harsh: travel between home and work isn’t deductible.
But thanks to John Holland’s case, there are some juicy exceptions FIFO workers can tap into.

In short:

• Home to airport travel? Usually not deductible.

• Airport to remote worksite travel? Often deductible—if you pay for it yourself.

What Travel Expenses Can FIFO Workers Claim?

You can potentially claim travel expenses if:

• You’re moving between a home transit point (like an airport) and a work transit point (like a mining camp airstrip).

• You personally cover the travel costs (your boss isn’t footing the bill).

Example:

Sarah lives in Perth and works on a remote mining site.

• Travel from Perth Airport to the remote site? Deductible.

• Taxi from home to Perth Airport? Not deductible.

Key: If it’s part of getting you from a "hub" to your actual worksite, and you pay for it, you’re usually good to claim it.

What Travel Expenses FIFO Workers Can’t Claim

Not everything’s deductible, sorry to say.

You generally can’t claim:

• Travel from your home to the airport

• Flights your employer pays for

• Any costs your employer reimburses you for

Example:

John’s mining company covers his flights from Brisbane to site.

• Claimable? Nope. Employer-paid = no tax deduction for John.

Other Tax Deductions FIFO Workers Shouldn’t Miss

Other deductions that can put more cash back in your pocket include:

• Work-related clothing: Safety gear, boots, and hi-vis gear

• Tools and equipment: Anything you personally buy to get the job done

• Self-education expenses: Courses and training that keep your skills sharp

Learn more about claiming self-education expenses here.

Tax Warnings and Things to Watch Out For

The ATO has FIFO workers on its radar—so be smart about it:

• Keep detailed travel diaries, receipts, and records

• Only claim expenses you actually paid for

• If expenses mix personal and work purposes, split them properly

See our full guide on how to claim work-related deductions.

Real FIFO Refund Story

"Last year I nearly missed out on claiming my airport-to-camp travel.
The team at Gotax knew exactly how to handle FIFO claims and got me an extra $1,800 back. Best money move I've made all year."
– Dave, FIFO Electrician from Queensland

Key Court Cases and ATO Updates FIFO Workers Should Know

• John Holland Case: Confirmed certain FIFO travel between transit points is deductible

• Bechtel Case: Tightened rules on accommodation allowances

• TR 2024/3: ATO’s fresh advice on what self-education expenses you can (and can’t) claim

Stay updated with ATO rulings to avoid missing out—or worse, overclaiming.

Record your tax deductions throughout the year.

Quick Summary

• FIFO workers can claim some travel costs, but not all.

• Employer-paid or reimbursed travel? Forget claiming it.

• Tools, safety gear, and self-education can boost your refund.

• Good records = bigger, safer claims.

Get Your FIFO Tax Refund the Easy Way

FIFO life is tough. Tax time shouldn't be.
At Gotax, we make lodging your FIFO tax return easy, online, and fast.

• No appointments

• No complicated forms

• No guesswork

Start Your FIFO Tax Return Here.