What Tax Deductions can Mechanics Claim?

If you are a mechanic, then no doubt you have spent a small fortune on tools and other stuff needed for work.

The good news is, you can claim some of these back as tax deductions in your tax return.

Now don’t get too excited – first, you need to remember the ATO’s 3 golden rules: 

1. You must have spent the money yourself, and not been given the money back from your boss. 

2. It must be directly related to earning your wage. 

3. You must have a record to prove that you spent the money and what you spent it on – see our record-keeping blog for more info

Now that we have the rules out of the way – these are some of the common tax deductions that a mechanic may be able to claim: 

• Workplace licences

• ​Union Fees

• Mechanical journals or books

• Car expenses for work travel

• Stationery 

• Home Office (If you need to work from home and you work in an office – you can’t work at your kitchen table)

• Equipment/Depreciation (If you don’t use it 100% for work, you need to work out how much is work use and how much is personal) 

• Mobile phone and/or Internet

• Course/Study Expenses 

• Protective clothing & laundry – boots, heavy duty shirts and trousers and overalls

• Protective Equipment e.g. safety equipment, sun hats and sunglasses 

You can’t claim

• Personal clothing like jeans, king gee shorts and runners

• Tools or equipment that is not used for your work

• Travel from home to work

• Courses that help you get a job

When completing your Gotax Online etax Return, there will be an option to enter your tax deductions for any work-related expenses. If you aren’t sure whether you can claim a tax deduction send us a live chat and we'll help you out! 

Mechanics!

It's time to start your tax return and get the tax deductions you deserve now!

You won't believe how easy it is!

Note that the information provided is general in nature and subject to change, please contact one of our professionals who can evaluate your circumstances and provide more accurate advice to your current situation.