Claiming Parking and Tolls on Your Tax Return (2025)

Parking fees and tolls can be a bit of a grey area when it comes to tax time. Plenty of people think they can claim every parking ticket and toll receipt, but the ATO has some clear rules. You can only claim these costs if they’re directly related to your work—not just your daily drive to the office. Let’s run through when you can (and can’t) claim parking and tolls, so you don’t end up on the wrong side of the tax man.

Claiming Parking

You can claim parking fees if:

• You pay for parking while doing your job (like visiting clients, job sites, or running work errands)

• The parking is directly related to earning your income

You can’t claim:

• Parking at or near your regular workplace

• Parking when travelling between home and your usual work

• Parking fines or penalties (the ATO’s not covering your tickets)

Example: If you drive from your office to a client’s site and pay for parking, you can claim that. But if you pay for parking near your normal work every day, you can’t.

Keep your receipts or records for all parking fees you claim.

Claiming Tolls

You can claim tolls if:

• You pay tolls while using your car for work-related trips (like visiting clients or travelling between workplaces)

You can’t claim:

• Tolls for your normal commute between home and work

• Tolls your employer reimburses you for

Keep records of your toll payments—statements or receipts are fine.

Quick tip: Only claim the work-related portion. If a trip is partly private, only claim the bit that’s for work.

Common Misconceptions

• “I can claim parking at my regular work every day.” Nope, that’s private.

• “Parking fines are deductible.” Not a chance.

• “All tolls are claimable.” Only the work-related ones, not your daily commute.

• “If my boss pays me an allowance, I can still claim.” If you’re reimbursed, you can’t claim.

• “I don’t need receipts for parking or tolls.” You do—keep those records.

10 Quick Q&As

Can I claim parking at my usual workplace?
No, that’s considered private.

Can I claim parking when I visit a client or another work site?
Yes, if it’s a work-related trip.

Are parking fines deductible?
No, never.

Can I claim tolls for driving to work?
No, only for work-related trips, not your commute.

What if my employer reimburses me for parking or tolls?
You can’t claim if you’ve been reimbursed.

Do I need receipts for parking and tolls?
Yes, keep receipts or statements as proof.

Can I claim parking and tolls if I use the cents per kilometre method?
Yes, but only if they’re not already included in your claim—don’t double-dip.

What if I use my car for both work and private trips?
Only claim the work-related portion of parking and tolls.

Can I claim parking at the airport if I’m travelling for work?
Yes, if the trip is work-related.

What if I pay for tolls on a work trip but also stop for personal errands?
Only claim the portion that relates to work.

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More Resources:

Your Records can hold up your Tax Refund

Tax Returns - Claiming Home Office