Want to Know Exactly What You Can Claim?
Here's Your Ultimate Tax Deduction Guide
Published: June 2025
If you've ever stared at your tax return thinking, "Can I claim this... or am I dreaming?", you're not alone.
Tax deductions aren’t just a nice bonus—they're your right.
The secret to getting the biggest refund possible?
Knowing exactly what you can claim—and making sure you don't miss a thing.
So let's skip the accountant-speak and get straight to it:
Here’s your no-fluff, Derek-style guide to claimable expenses that could put serious cash back in your pocket.
Work-Related Expenses: Your Everyday Deductions
When it comes to work-related expenses, the ATO has a simple mantra:
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You must have spent the money yourself (no boss reimbursements).
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The expense must relate directly to your income.
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You must keep a record (yep, that means receipts).
If you tick all three boxes, you’re good to claim.
Common Work-Related Deductions:
Vehicle and Travel Expenses:
If you're zipping between job sites or client meetings, you're in luck.
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Example: Emma drives from her office to a client’s location. She can claim the mileage for that trip.
Check out how to claim vehicle expenses properly:
https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/claim-car-expenses-2025
Uniforms and Protective Clothing:
If you’re kitted out in hi-vis or company-branded gear, you can claim it.
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Example: Jack buys a high-vis jacket and safety boots with his company’s logo. Totally deductible.
Self-Education and Training:
If you’re sharpening skills related to your current job, you can claim course fees, books, and sometimes even travel.
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Example: Lisa, a teacher, completes a tech course to stay ahead in the classroom. Her fees are deductible.
Learn more about self-education deductions here:
https://gotax.com.au/blog/self-education-expenses-with-gotax
Investment and Income-Producing Expenses
If you make money outside your job—like through rentals or shares—you might be eligible for some juicy deductions too.
Common Investment Deductions:
Rental Property Expenses:
Own an investment property? You can claim things like:
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Repairs and maintenance
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Property management fees
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Depreciation of fittings and fixtures
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Example: Tom owns a rental house and pays $500 for urgent plumbing repairs. Deductible!
Interest and Dividend Costs:
If you borrow to invest, that loan interest could be deductible.
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Example: Sarah takes out a loan to invest in shares. The interest she pays on that loan? Totally claimable.
Business Expenses: For the Entrepreneurs Out There
Running your own gig? Good news—businesses have heaps of claimable expenses.
Common Business Deductions:
Operating Expenses:
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Office supplies
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Rent and utilities
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Website and internet hosting
Equipment and Depreciation:
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Items under $300? Immediate full deduction.
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Over $300? Depreciate it over its useful life.
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Example: A small business buys a $250 printer (full deduction) and a $1,500 desk setup (depreciated over time).
Home Office Expenses:
Working from home? You might be able to claim:
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A portion of your electricity
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Internet
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Depreciation on home office furniture
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Example: Alex runs a consultancy from his spare room. His work-use share of home bills is deductible.
Need help sorting home office claims? Check out Gotax’s guide:
https://www.gotax.com.au/blog/home-office-work-from-home-expenses-guide-2025
Record-Keeping: The Secret Weapon of Big Refunds
No receipts = no deductions. Full stop.
The ATO is pretty unforgiving when it comes to proof.
Keep records of:
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Receipts and invoices
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Bank statements for large purchases
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Logbooks for cars and phones
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Diaries for work-related trips or small cash expenses
Want to make it ridiculously easy?
Use the Gotax Deduction Grabber App to track everything:
https://www.deductiongrabber.com.au
Quick Recap
✅ If you spent money to earn your income—and you’ve got the proof—you can usually claim it.
✅ Work, investments, business—there are plenty of legit ways to trim your taxable income.
✅ Good records = bigger refund + no ATO headaches.
Want to Claim Every Deduction You Deserve?
At Gotax, we don’t just “do your tax return”—we make sure you claim everything you’re legally entitled to.
More deductions. Bigger refunds. Less stress.
Start your tax return online today here:
https://www.gotax.com.au/guest-user
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