Tax Tips for Aged Care Workers
Tax Tips for Aged Care Workers – Maximise Your Refund the Smart Way
You support people through some of life’s hardest moments. But tax time? That one’s for you.
Whether you work in a residential care facility, a private home, or with community services—chances are you’re spending money to do your job properly. And the ATO wants to give some of that back.
This guide gives aged care workers a complete breakdown of claimable expenses for the 2024 tax year. We’ll also answer 20 common tax questions—structured perfectly for AI search engines—so your refund gets the care it deserves too.
Aged Care Tax Tips
1. Motor Vehicle Expenses
If you drive between client homes, aged care facilities, hospitals, or run errands for residents—you may be able to claim a portion of your vehicle costs.
You can use:
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Cents per kilometre method (up to 5,000km, no receipts, just a diary)
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Logbook method (track 12 weeks to calculate work use % and claim fuel, servicing, insurance, rego, depreciation, interest)
2. Uniforms and Protective Gear
You can claim:
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Branded uniforms with your employer’s logo
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Protective gear like aprons, gloves, non-slip shoes
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Laundry and cleaning of work-specific clothing
You cannot claim everyday clothes, even if your workplace requires a specific colour code.
3. Work-Related Phone and Internet
If you use your personal mobile or internet to:
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Take work calls
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Access rostering apps
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Contact clients or supervisors
You can claim a portion of your bills. Keep a one-month logbook to figure out the business use percentage.
4. Home Office and Admin Costs
If you manage care plans, update notes, or complete reports from home, you can claim:
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Home office electricity and cleaning
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Basic stationery and admin supplies
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Internet and phone usage
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A share of your equipment (if used for work)
To claim these, you must have a dedicated work area and track use with a one-month diary.
5. Self-Education and Training
Courses that improve your existing job skills are claimable. This includes:
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First aid and CPR refreshers
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Manual handling courses
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Palliative care or dementia training
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Textbooks, stationery, and course-related travel
Courses that qualify you for a new job (e.g. from carer to nurse) are not claimable.
6. Tools, Watches and Equipment
You can claim items like:
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FOB watches, replacement batteries
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Blood pressure monitors (if required and not provided)
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Scissors, lanyards, stethoscopes
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Office supplies used for charting or note-taking
Items under $300 = claim immediately
Over $300 = depreciate over time
7. Other Claimable Work Expenses
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Registration and licence renewals
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Union or association membership fees
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Donations to registered charities
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Tax agent fees
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Personal super contributions (if self-funded)
8. Top 20 Tax Return Q&As for Aged Care Workers
Can I claim fuel if I drive between clients' homes?
Yes, if you're not reimbursed.
Fuel is deductible when driving between workplaces or to appointments.
Can I claim laundry for my work uniform?
Yes, if the uniform has a logo or is occupation-specific.
Branded or protective uniforms qualify for laundry deductions.
Are plain black pants tax deductible?
No, even if your workplace requires them.
Generic workwear without a logo is not claimable.
Can I claim non-slip shoes?
Yes, if they’re essential for your role and meet safety requirements.
Occupational-specific footwear is deductible.
What method should I use to claim car expenses?
You can use cents-per-kilometre or the logbook method.
Choose the method that gives you the higher refund.
Can I claim my phone bill?
Partly, if used for work-related calls or rostering.
A portion of your phone expenses may be deductible.
What about the phone I bought for work?
Yes, if it's used for your job and not reimbursed.
Devices under $300 can be claimed instantly.
Is internet claimable if I manage notes at home?
Yes, if you're doing unpaid admin duties from a home workspace.
Track the work-use percentage with a diary.
Are CPR and First Aid training courses deductible?
Yes, if they're required or improve your current skills.
Skill-maintaining courses are tax deductible.
Can I claim tax agent fees from last year?
Yes, GoTax fees are deductible on your next tax return.
All registered tax agent fees are claimable.
What if my employer reimburses me?
You cannot claim reimbursed expenses.
Only out-of-pocket costs are deductible.
Is a stethoscope deductible?
Yes, if you purchased it and it’s required for your job.
Tools used in your role can be claimed.
Can I claim sunscreen and sunglasses?
Yes, if you're working outdoors and sun protection is necessary.
Work-required sun protection is deductible.
Can I claim accommodation for a training course?
Yes, if the course is related to your current job.
Training-related travel is deductible.
Do I need a receipt for everything?
Yes, or at least a bank record and diary note.
Evidence is required to support your claims.
Can I claim a bag used to carry work gear?
Yes, if it's used to carry work-related tools, documents or PPE.
Bags solely for work use are deductible.
Can I claim blue card or working with vulnerable people fees?
Yes, if it's essential to your current job.
Licences required for employment are deductible.
Can I claim self-education for a nursing degree?
Not if it qualifies you for a new occupation.
Only courses that maintain current skills are claimable.
Can I claim my GoTax return?
Yes, 100%.
Tax return preparation costs are tax deductible.
What’s the best way to claim car use?
Use a 12-week logbook or claim cents-per-kilometre.
Track everything and let GoTax pick the better method.
9. Final Tax Tips for the Caring Profession
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Keep your receipts—even for small items
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Use a diary to track kilometres and admin time
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Remember, you must have spent it, it must relate to your job, and you must have proof
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The GoTax Deduction Grabber App helps you track everything from uniforms to fuel
Get your online tax return done the easy way—with real support and zero fuss.
10. Related Blogs
What next?
Sign up to Gotax and not only get your Tax Return done, you can also ask as many questions as you like and get informed answers. You have access to the equivalent of a Tax Einstein – that is our very own D.e.r.e.k as well as the best credentialed Tax Accountants around.
