Top 7 Tax Mistakes Tradies Make (And How to Dodge Them)
Published: May 2025
Being a tradie means you know how to build a house, wire a building, or fix a leaking tap.
But when it comes to building a killer tax return?
Let’s just say a lot of tradies could use a bit of backup.
The truth is, common tax mistakes cost Aussie tradies thousands every year.
Good news: most of them are easy to dodge—if you know what you’re doing.
Here’s your cheat sheet for what NOT to do this tax time.
1. Not Keeping Receipts
No receipts = no deductions. It's that simple.
The ATO doesn’t accept "But I swear I bought that drill for work" as proof.
Solution:
Snap a photo of every receipt as soon as you get it.
Even better—use the Gotax Deduction Grabber App to store everything securely:
https://www.deductiongrabber.com.au
2. Claiming Travel You’re Not Entitled To
Driving from home to your first jobsite? Not deductible.
Driving between two jobs in one day? Deductible.
Solution:
Only claim trips between work locations or alternate worksites.
Learn how to do it properly here:
https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/how-to-claim-car-expenses-the-right-way
3. Forgetting About Tool Depreciation
If your new laser level cost under $300—great, you can claim it all this year.
If it cost over $300—you’ll need to depreciate it across a few years.
Solution:
Don't miss out on gradual claims just because it's confusing.
Gotax sorts out your tool depreciation for you automatically when you lodge.
4. Over-Claiming Clothing
You can't claim your Levi's jeans unless they're safety gear.
The ATO isn’t handing out refunds for your weekend clothes.
Solution:
Only claim:
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Steel-capped boots
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High-vis jackets
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Branded uniforms with logos
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Hard hats and safety glasses
Need more info on claiming work gear? Start your return here:
https://www.gotax.com.au/guest-user
5. Missing Out on Phone and Internet Claims
Use your phone for calls to clients or your boss?
Use your email or job apps for work?
You could be claiming a chunk of your phone and internet bills.
Solution:
Keep a 4-week diary showing how much of your phone use is work-related.
Example: If 60% of your phone use is for work, you can claim 60% of your phone bills.
6. Ignoring Self-Education Opportunities
Taking a course that upgrades your skills?
Congratulations—you might be able to claim the fees, textbooks, and even some travel.
Solution:
Know what self-education expenses you can claim:
https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/self-education-expenses-what-you-can-and-cant-claim
7. Leaving It Too Late
Rushing your tax return on 30 October leads to missed claims, mistakes, and fines.
Solution:
Lodge early and take your time with Gotax.
We’ll guide you through every tradie-specific claim to maximise your refund.
Start your return here:
https://www.gotax.com.au/
Quick Tradie Tax Recap:
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Keep all receipts—no guessing allowed
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Only claim legit work-related travel
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Depreciate expensive tools the right way
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Claim safety gear, not fashion statements
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Track your work-related phone and internet use
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Claim training that makes you better at your job
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Lodge early—skip the last-minute panic
Want a Bigger, Safer Refund This Year?
At Gotax, we know what tradies can and can't claim—and we make it ridiculously easy.
No guesswork. No missed claims. No stuffing around.
Lodge your tradie tax return online today:
https://www.gotax.com.au/guest-user
Related Resources:
-
Maximise Your Tax Deductions as a Tradie:
https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/tradies-maximise-your-tax-deductions-and-keep-more-cash -
How to Claim Work-Related Deductions:
https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/how-to-claim-work-related-deductions -
Self-Education Expenses Explained:
https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/self-education-expenses-what-you-can-and-cant-claim
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