The Forgotten Little Things – Small Items You Can Claim

Updated: 10/09/25 • Reviewed by: GoTax Registered Tax Agent

Most people remember to claim the big stuff — cars, laptops, power tools. But the little things? They’re often forgotten, and they can add up fast. In 2025, both employees and ABN holders can claim a long list of small, work-related items. Miss them, and you’re kissing goodbye to part of your refund.

Don’t Laugh at the $10 Pen

It’s easy to shrug off small receipts: a packet of pens, a work diary, a hi-vis vest. “Not worth the hassle,” you tell yourself. But add them up and you could be throwing away hundreds.

ATO doesn’t care if it’s $5 or $5,000 — if it’s work-related, deductible, and backed by proof, it counts. Derek’s rule: keep the receipt, make the claim, enjoy the refund.

Forgotten Small Deductions – PAYG Employees vs ABN Holders

For Employees (PAYG, no ABN):

• Stationery: pens, notebooks, planners.

• Phone chargers & cables for work devices.

• Diaries & calendars.

• Laundry detergent (if washing deductible uniforms).

• Protective gear (gloves, goggles, sunscreen, hi-vis).

For ABN Holders (small business, freelancers, tradies, rideshare):

• All the above, plus:

• Business cards & flyers.

• Printer ink, paper, labels.

• Small software subscriptions (Zoom, Canva, Adobe under $300/year).

• Batteries & consumables for tools/equipment.

• Postage, packaging, and office supplies.

Worked Example – The Numbers Add Up

Jess (Employee)

• Stationery & notebooks: $120

• Laundry powder for uniforms: $60

• Sunscreen for outdoor work: $45
  Total claim: $225
  At 32.5% tax rate → $73 back.

Alex (ABN Holder – Freelance Videographer)

• Phone cables & chargers: $90

• Printer ink & paper: $250

• Batteries & external drives: $280

• Online subscription: $180
  Total claim: $800
  At 30% tax rate → $240 back.

Neither claim is life-changing — but combine them with bigger deductions and the refund starts to look healthy.

Comparison Table – Little Things That Count

Top 5 Mistakes with Small Claims

1. Not keeping receipts – $5 or $500, the ATO still wants proof.

2. Claiming personal items – family Netflix or fashion sunnies won’t pass.

3. Thinking small = not worth it – it adds up, especially for ABN holders.

4. Double dipping – don’t claim what your employer already reimburses.

5. Forgetting software subscriptions – cheap monthly costs are easy to miss.

Derek’s Story – The Shoebox Saver

A tradie we’ll call “Shoebox Steve” dumped a year’s worth of crumpled small receipts into a shoebox. He thought it was silly to bother. At tax time, the total hit $780. That’s $250 back in his refund. Not silly anymore.

Tools to Make It Easy

• Deduction Grabber – snap every receipt, big or small.

• eCashBooks (www.ecashbooks.com.au) – track small business expenses without spreadsheets.

• GoTax Online – built to prompt the small claims most people forget.

Gotax Online FAQs – Small Item Deductions

1. Can I claim pens and notebooks?
   Yes, if used for work.

2. What about sunscreen?
   Deductible for outdoor workers.

3. Are sunglasses deductible?
   Yes, if protective and required for work. Fashion glasses? No.

4. Can I claim if my employer provides stationery?
   No. Only what you personally pay for.

5. Is bottled water deductible?
   No — personal item, not work-related.

6. Is laundry detergent deductible?
   Yes, if washing deductible uniforms.

7. Do I need receipts for small items?
   Yes. Even $2 pens.

8. Can I round up small claims?
   No. Only actual amounts supported by proof.

9. Can I claim batteries for tools?
   Employees: Yes, if required for work. ABN holders: Yes, for business tools.

10. Can I claim cables and chargers?
    Yes, if used for work devices.

11. Is coffee deductible?
    No — unless it’s part of a client meeting expense (ABN holder).

12. What’s the maximum I can claim?
    No set cap — but must be genuine, work-related, and supported by records.

Related Reading

• Essential records to keep: https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/essential-tax-records-what-to-keep

• Work clothing & laundry: https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/need-help-with-vehicle-logbooks-heres-how-to-get-it-right

• Home office expenses guide 2025: https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/home-office-work-from-home-expenses-guide-2025

Browse more in the GoTax Online Library: https://www.gotax.com.au/blog

Quick Checklist

• Keep every receipt, no matter how small
• Employees: stationery, diaries, PPE, sunscreen, laundry detergent
• ABN holders: add printer ink, postage, subscriptions, consumables
• Don’t claim household/personal stuff
• Store records for 5 years

What Next?

Signup to GoTax and not only get your Tax return done, you can also ask as many questions as you like and get informed answers. You have access to the equivalent of a Tax Einstein — that is our very own D.e.r.e.k as well as the best credentialed Tax Accountants around.

Start here: https://www.gotax.com.au/login