How to Claim Tax Deductions Without Receipts 

Published: June 2025

Lost your receipts? Left them in your other pants?
Welcome to the real world — and don’t worry, you’re not doomed at tax time.

The ATO isn’t completely heartless — if you know the rules, you can still legally claim a stack of work-related expenses without having a shoebox full of paperwork.

Here’s your 2024, no-nonsense guide to claiming smart, claiming safely, and maximising your refund (even if you're a little disorganised).

Can I Really Claim Tax Deductions Without Receipts?

✅ YES — but only under specific conditions:

• The expense must be work-related

• You must have paid for it yourself (no reimbursements)

• You must have a reasonable record (diary note, bank statement, calendar, etc.)

There’s also a handy $300 total limit where the ATO lets you claim without needing receipts — we’ll explain that next.

What’s the $300 No-Receipt Rule?

The ATO allows you to claim up to $300 for work-related expenses without needing receipts.

✅ This $300 cap applies across all your no-receipt work expenses combined (laundry, tools, supplies, etc.)
✅ You still need to be able to show how you worked out the expenses if asked.

Important:
The $300 isn’t a free $300.
You have to actually have spent the money.

What Records Can I Use Instead of a Receipt?

If you lost the receipt, you can still use:

• Bank or credit card statements

• Diary notes of the purchase

• Email confirmations

• Calendar entries

• Work orders referencing the purchase

The Golden Rule:
If it looks legitimate and fits your work story, you can probably claim it.

Examples of Tax Deductions You Can Claim Without Receipts

Smart Tip: Claim Smarter, Not Riskier

✅ Group your small expenses carefully — parking, stationery, laundry, small tool purchases
✅ Use diaries or app tracking — the ATO is increasingly happy with reasonable electronic records
✅ Stay honest — don’t invent stuff to "fill up" your $300. It’s an allowance, not a challenge.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I claim $300 even if I didn’t spend $300?
No. You can only claim what you actually spent — $300 is the maximum you can claim without receipts, not a guaranteed bonus.

What if my total work expenses are over $300?
You’ll need receipts or proper records for everything if your total work-related expenses go over $300.

Can I claim my work-from-home expenses without receipts?
Yes — if you use the fixed rate method (67c per hour in 2024), you can claim without needing receipts for internet and electricity separately.

How do I prove car expenses without receipts?
Use the cents-per-kilometre method (up to 5,000km) with a reasonable diary or logbook to back it up.

Quick Recap: Claiming Without Receipts

• ✅ You can claim up to $300 total in work expenses without receipts

• ✅ Expenses must be work-related and personally paid

• ✅ Use alternative records like bank statements and diaries

• ✅ Stay honest — the ATO likes reasonable, not random

Final Wrap-Up: Don’t Let Lost Receipts Cost You

Lost receipts don't have to mean lost refunds.
If you play it smart — and stay within the ATO’s clear rules — you can still claim back a stack of legit work costs.
And hey, if you're feeling a bit receipt-shy, Gotax has you covered.

✅ Easy online returns
✅ Simple prompts to help you claim legally
✅ No awkward accountant meetings (or judgment about your messy wallet)

Start your tax return today and claim everything you’re entitled to:
https://www.gotax.com.au/start-now

Related Resources:

• Start Your Tax Return with Gotax
  https://www.gotax.com.au/

• Need Help with Vehicle Logbooks?
  https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/need-help-with-vehicle-logbooks-heres-how-to-get-it-right

• Fitness Professionals: What You Can Claim
  https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/fitness-professionals-tax-deductions-guide

Final Wrap-Up: Lost Receipts? Don’t Lose Your Refund

Not having every single receipt doesn't mean you're out of the tax game.
With the right records (and the right know-how), you can still claim plenty of legitimate deductions and boost your refund.

The key is knowing where the ATO draws the line — and making sure you stay on the smart side of it.

At Gotax, we’re here to make sure you claim everything you’re legally entitled to — no guesswork, no stress, and no dramas.
✅ Online.
✅ Fast.
✅ No appointments needed.

Ready to start your return and grab your maximum refund?
Head here: https://www.gotax.com.au/