Tax Tips for Carpenters
Tax Tips for Carpenters – Chisel Out a Bigger Tax Refund
Introduction
Nail your tax return this year with some clever carpenter know-how. Whether you’re on the tools, climbing ladders, or cutting timber like a legend, there’s a good chance you’re entitled to claim a whole bunch of tax deductions. From hammers and saws to hi-vis and hard hats—we're breaking it down, Gotax-style.
Table of Contents
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Sole Trader Carpenters – Save with Gotax
1. Motor Vehicle Expenses (Kilometres & Logbook)
Carrying a bootload of gear? If your vehicle is used for work, you may be able to claim:
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Trips between worksites
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Driving to pick up tools or materials
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Carrying bulky gear from home (when there’s no secure storage onsite)
Claiming Methods
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Cents per kilometre (up to 5,000km): No logbook, but you must reasonably estimate.
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Logbook method: Keep a 12-week logbook and claim a % of fuel, rego, insurance, and maintenance.
2. Protective Clothing & Uniforms
If it protects you or promotes your employer—you’re good to claim.
Examples Include:
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Hi-vis shirts with logos
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Hard hats, steel-cap boots, gloves
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Safety glasses, protective pants
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Laundry costs for cleaning your workwear
Tip: Keep a diary of how often you wash them!
3. Tools & Equipment (Under and Over $300)
Your carpentry kit is a goldmine of deductions.
Claim immediately (under $300):
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Hammers, drills, torches, nail guns
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Levels, tape measures, tool belts
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Ladders and drop saws
Depreciate (over $300):
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Power tools, bench saws
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Laptops or tablets used for quoting, job planning, or tracking work
4. Home Office, Internet & Phone
Doing quotes, ordering materials, chasing clients or taking bookings? Claim your work use of:
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Mobile phone
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Internet
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Home office (power, cleaning, consumables)
Keep a 4-week usage log to figure out your work %.
5. Travel, Meals & Accommodation
Heading out of town for a big job? You may be able to claim:
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Flights, taxis, fuel
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Overnight accommodation
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Work-related meals while you're away
Just make sure it’s all work-related and keep receipts.
6. Sunscreen, Sunglasses & Outdoor Claims
Working outdoors all day? You may be able to claim:
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Sunscreen
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Sunglasses
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Protective hats
You must use these for sun protection while working—not just for your beach trip.
7. Income Protection & Licences
Stay covered and stay compliant.
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Income protection insurance premiums (if paid from your own pocket)
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Carpentry licences, permits, white card renewals
No claims for your driver’s licence though!
8. Gotax Deduction Grabber App
Tired of chasing receipts at tax time? The Gotax Deduction Grabber App makes it ridiculously easy.
- Snap receipts
- Track vehicle trips
- Record expenses as they happen
Download now for FREE ....
9. Sole Trader Carpenters – Save with Gotax
Running your own carpentry business as a sole trader? Gotax has you sorted.
✅ Just $140 for your full return
✅ No hidden fees, no headaches
✅ Easy online process designed for tradies
Click here to start and save heaps with GoTax.
ATO’s 3 Golden Rules
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You must have paid for it yourself (not reimbursed).
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It must relate directly to earning your income.
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You must have a record (receipt, logbook, diary note).
Simple, right?
Blogs & Videos to Back You Up
Popular Blogs
Gotax LIVE Videos
Final Tip from the GoTax Team
Track your gear, log your trips, snap those receipts—and lodge with the crew who know how to deal with timber, tools, and tax.
More questions? Just ask D.e.r.e.k
GoTax – Australia’s Easiest Online Tax Return for Carpenters.
✅ Sole Trader Returns from $140
✅ Individual Returns from $65
✅ Fast, easy, and no jargon.
