Surfboards, security dogs, and binge-watching Netflix — yep, we’ve seen it all. Welcome to Australia’s craziest tax question vault. Let’s separate the genius claims from the downright hilarious and get you the refund you deserve!
We’ve heard every crazy tax question under the Aussie sun — and answered them with real, no-nonsense advice. Here’s your go-to guide to separating tax fact from fiction.
)A1: Only if you’re a film critic or reviewing shows professionally. Binging “Bridgerton” doesn’t count as research!
A2: Sadly no. Even if your productivity spikes after chocolate, the ATO doesn’t see Tim Tams as a business expense.
A3: Only if it’s used entirely for work. If it also streams footy and cat videos, you’ll need to apportion it.
A4: Only if your dog is a professional model or helps run your business. Otherwise, that shiny coat is on you.
A5: Unless you own a café or write coffee reviews, your daily cappuccino is not deductible (tragic, we know).
A6: Unless prescribed by a medical professional and used solely for work-related health needs, probably not.
A7: Only if your work requires you to maintain a certain fitness level (e.g., defence force). Otherwise, gains = personal.
A8: If it enhances your professional presentation, maybe. But a cardboard cutout of Chris Hemsworth? Unlikely.
A9: Creative, but no. Even if the barking ruins your meetings, the ATO says that’s a personal issue.
A10: Yes, if used for work — but only the portion related to work. No deductions for late-night TikTok binges.
A11: Yes, if you use it for work. Bonus points if you actually stand.
A12: If it’s a branded or occupation-specific uniform (e.g., hi-vis), yes. Your Zara blazer? Not so much.
A13: Commutes are not deductible. But if you travel between work sites during the day, that’s a different story.
A14: Only if it’s required by your job, like on-camera appearances. Otherwise, glam is on you.
A15: Only if you’re a DJ or music reviewer. Otherwise, “lo-fi beats to tax to” aren’t deductible.
A16: Yes, if it’s used for work. If it’s purely for gaming, sadly, it’s on your own dime.
A17: If used for work calls or meetings, yes. Just don’t try to write off your entire Apple addiction.
A18: If it’s used to carry work-related items (e.g., laptop, files), yes. Gucci clutch? Probably not.
A19: Yes! The ATO supports sun safety for outdoor workers.
A20: Yes, if it’s part of hospitality or entertaining clients. Tim Tams for personal snacking? Nope.
A21: Yes, you can claim a portion related to your work area. Time to dust those tax-deductible shelves!
A22: Absolutely. As long as they aren’t scratch-and-sniff or glitter-coated.
A23: Yes, the work-related percentage is. Keep a log if it’s a personal phone!
A24: Only if they are specifically prescribed for work-related safety. Fashion specs are not tax write-offs.
A25: Yes, if you’re using it for networking or job-seeking professionally. Stalking old classmates? Not deductible.
A26: If it’s related to your current job or career development — yes! If it’s just to “find yourself,” maybe journal it instead.
A27: Only if they’re for a job in your current profession. Flying to Bali for “networking”? That’s a holiday.
A28: Yes, if you use it to run your business or do freelance work. Free coffee = bonus, not a write-off.
A29: Only to registered Deductible Gift Recipients (DGRs). That GoFundMe for Gary’s beard transplant? Probably not.
A30: Only if they relate directly to work trips — not your daily commute or shopping at Bunnings.
A31: Yes, if it’s an official uniform. If it’s your date-night outfit, sadly, no.
A32: Yes — but only if you’re working from home and have a dedicated workspace. Kitchen benches don’t count.
A33: If the course is directly related to your current job, yes. If it’s a pottery class “for stress relief,” no.
A34: Yes, if used for work. Comfort and lumbar support are finally appreciated!
A35: If it’s used for work (e.g., calls, emails), partially or fully depending on usage. TikTok doesn’t count.
A36: Yes, if they’re directly related to your role. That means “Rich Dad Poor Dad” is out — sorry.
A37: Only if you work outdoors. That means no to Instagram influencers… unless influencing the sun.
A38: Only if you’re in the entertainment or performance industry. Otherwise, it’s personal grooming.
A39: Yes, if it’s for work and not disguised as a long weekend “strategy retreat.”
A40: Yes, if you actually use them for work. Collecting novelty pens? Probably not.
A41: Yes, if they help you focus in a work setting. Drowning out your partner’s karaoke isn’t deductible.
A42: Yes! The fee you pay to prepare your tax return is fully deductible on next year’s return.
A43: If used for your business or job, yes. If it’s for hobby memes, no.
A44: Absolutely. Just don’t try to claim your lawnmower unless it’s for work.
A45: Yes — but only if it’s a deductible uniform. Washing your weekend jeans? Not covered.
A46: Only if it’s used for work purposes like tracking job schedules or communications. Steps = not business.
A47: Yes! Hosting, design, and domain fees are all deductible for your business.
A48: Yes — even if they roll their eyes when you ask if your gym is deductible.
A49: Yes, if you still hand them out like it’s 1999.
A50: Yes, if it enhances your professional setup. Influencer glow not included.
A51: Yes, if it’s used to carry your work laptop. If it’s Gucci, maybe just for the gram.
A52: Only if the dog is a registered security animal for your business. Otherwise, Fido’s snacks are on you.
A53: Only if it directly relates to your current income-producing job. Otherwise, it’s “future you’s” problem.
A54: Yes — if staying fit is part of your job. For everyone else, abs are a personal expense.
A55: Absolutely — if it’s for work. If it’s for Instagram thirst traps, not so much.
A56: Yes, if used to do your job. Candy Crush doesn’t count, even if it calms your “client rage.”
A57: Yes, if they’re for client-facing business purposes. If they’re for your vibes, nope.
A58: Yes, if it’s used for business (e.g., property photography). For flying over neighbour BBQs? Definitely not.
A59: Only if you work in media/entertainment and use it for research. Binge-watching? Not deductible.
A60: Yes, if used for work. Your back will thank you, and so will your tax return.
A61: Yes! As long as they’re compulsory and specific to your work — and not just merch.
A62: Some costs may be, like venue hire or advertising. Champagne fountains? That’s a stretch.
A63: Yes, if they’re relevant to your current profession. Knitting club? Not unless you’re a knitfluencer.
A64: Yes, if used to advance your current career or find work. If it’s to stalk ex-colleagues, nope.
A65: Yes, if you’re on air as part of your job. Daily contouring doesn’t qualify.
A66: Yes, if it’s used for work tasks like taking notes, drawings, or presentations — not doodling cats.
A67: Yes — but only the work-use portion. Powering your PlayStation? Not so much.
A68: Yep! Business-related domains are deductible. Even if you bought “wizardtaxes.com.au”.
A69: Only if it’s used in a business context — e.g., background music in a hair salon. Personal vibing = not claimable.
A70: If your podcast generates income or is part of your business — mic it up!
A71: Absolutely. Bubble wrap and all.
A72: Maybe, if the meeting is work-related and not just for a good flat white.
A73: Yes, business insurance premiums are deductible. Peace of mind = tax-friendly.
A74: Yes, travelling between two jobs or sites in the same day is deductible. Office to beach? Not so much.
A75: Yes, if it’s for work — especially post-2020. Hygiene is now fiscally fashionable.
A76: Yes, if your job requires you to work in the sun — tradies, lifeguards, and lizard people rejoice.
A77: If you’re on video calls, record content, or stream for work — absolutely. If it’s for selfies... well...
A78: Yes, if you're using the road for work-related trips. Just don’t try to claim your road rage therapy.
A79: Only if you work outside. Looking cool while driving? Not a deductible asset.
A80: Yes, if they’re for work or career promotion. Duck face = automatic rejection.
A81: Yes — development, hosting, and maintenance are all deductible if it’s work-related.
A82: Yes, ads, promotions, and branding expenses for your biz are deductible. Even skywriting (seriously).
A83: Only if given to a registered DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient). Not your mate’s dodgy GoFundMe.
A84: Yes — if it’s a dedicated work space. Cleaning your snack cupboard doesn’t count.
A85: Yes, subscriptions like Notion, Trello, and Asana are deductible if used for work. If they sit untouched... still maybe.
A86: Absolutely — Facebook, Instagram, even TikTok ads are deductible for business use.
A87: Only if you provide it for clients or staff. You staying hydrated = good life choice, not tax break.
A88: Yep, if used to promote your business or products. Even if your logo looks like clip art.
A89: Yes, paying freelancers for business tasks is 100% deductible — even if they ghost you later.
A90: Yes, even the cost of asking this question.
A91: Yes, if you’re away overnight for work. No to Uber Eats at your desk at home.
A92: Generally no, but certain capital improvements may be depreciated over time. Wallpaper = probably not.
A93: Yes, for work-related assets like laptops, phones, and tools. Even if they die mysteriously a year later.
A94: If they relate to your job or self-education, yes. If it’s “Eat Pray Love”, probably not.
A95: Sadly, no — even if Karen from accounting is really testing your patience.
A96: Yes, if it’s work-related. But not if it’s for your Saturday brunch run.
A97: Yes, if they relate directly to your current job. Life coaching to become a better you? Probably not.
A98: Yes! Just don’t try to claim your entire gaming setup.
A99: Potentially — if it was used for business purposes. Dogecoin memes not included.
A100: Nope — your peanut butter obsession is not a tax matter.
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