How to Claim Overtime Meal Expenses in 2025

Published: June

Worked overtime and bought yourself a cheeky schnitty or a late-night salad? You might be able to claim it. Welcome to the world of overtime meal deductions—where your hunger pains can actually save you some tax.

What Counts as a Tax Deductible Overtime Meal?

If you’re clocking in extra hours and munching on a meal during that time, you might be able to claim it—but only if:

• Your employer pays you an overtime meal allowance under an award, law, or agreement

• That allowance is included in your income

• You actually buy and eat the meal while working overtime

Who Can Claim a Tax Deduction?

• Employees working overtime with a specific overtime meal allowance

• You pay for your own meal and aren’t reimbursed

• The meal is consumed during your actual overtime shift

What You Can’t Claim as a Tax Deduction

• Lunch or meals during normal work hours, not tax deductible.

• Meals brought from home, not tax deductible.

• Meals if no overtime meal allowance is received, not tax deductible.

• Meals that are reimbursed or paid directly by your employer, not tax deductible.

How Much Can You Claim as a Tax Deduction?

• Claim actual meal cost

• If under $35.65 per meal (2025 rate): no receipt needed

• If over that: you need a receipt

Examples

• You get a $20 allowance and buy a $15 dinner: Claim $15 as a Tax Deduction

• You get $40 and spend $38: Claim $38, include $40 in income

• You get $30 but bring leftovers: No claim, not tax deductible.

• You work overtime but get no allowance: No claim, not tax deductible.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to include the meal allowance as income

• Claiming meals without a valid allowance

• Claiming meals you didn’t actually buy

Common Misconceptions

• "Any work meal is deductible." Nope, not tax deductible.

• "I can claim the full allowance." Only if you spent it.

• "No need to declare the allowance." Big no-no.

Often Overlooked Deductions

• Drinks bought with your overtime meal

• Meals on public holidays or weekends (still overtime)

Record-Keeping Hacks

• Under $35.65: note the date, cost, and reason

• Over $35.65: keep a receipt

• Log your overtime shifts

ATO Red Flags

• No meal allowance in income

• Big claims with no records

• Claiming the full allowance without matching spend

Troubleshooting Tricky Situations

• Meal allowance but didn’t spend it all? Claim only what you spent.

• Worked overtime, no allowance? Sorry, no claim, not tax deductible.

• Meal reimbursed? No deduction, not tax deductible.

• Lost your receipt but under $35.65? Keep a log or bank statement.

Real-World Scenarios

• Nurse on a double shift grabs dinner—claim it.

• Factory worker gets allowance, skips meal—no claim.

• Bus driver with receipt and allowance—claim both.

Pro Tips

• Include the allowance as income

• Ask payroll if you’re unsure

• Action

Don’t leave money on the table! Use Gotax to record and claim your overtime meal expenses the right way. We make tax easy, fast, and stress-free—plus, our team’s always here if you need a hand. Get your best refund ever—choose Gotax

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