Tax Tips for Construction Workers (2025)

What You Can Claim

1. Work-Related Car Expenses

• Trips between job sites, picking up supplies, or attending training (not home to work).
• Use either the cents per kilometre method (up to 5,000km at 88c/km) or the logbook method (claim a % of actual costs).
• Parking and tolls for work trips (not your daily commute).

2. Tools and Equipment

• Tools under $300: claim the full cost straight away.
• Tools over $300: claim depreciation over a few years.
• Repairs, insurance, and maintenance for your work tools.

3. Protective Clothing and Gear

• High-vis vests, steel-capped boots, hard hats, gloves, safety glasses.
• Laundry costs for your work gear (keep a record of your washes).

4. Work-Related Training

• Courses, licences, and tickets that relate directly to your current job.

5. Union Fees and Subscriptions

• If you pay union fees or industry body memberships, you can claim them.

6. Phone and Internet

• If you use your phone for work (calls, emails, site photos), claim the work-related portion.

7. Sun Protection

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats if you work outdoors.

8. Travel Expenses

• Overnight trips for work (accommodation, meals, incidentals)—but not if you’re just working away from home for a long period.

What You Can’t Claim

• Normal trips between home and your regular worksite (that’s just commuting).
• Tools or gear provided or reimbursed by your boss.
• Private expenses (lunches, coffee, gym memberships).
• Fines (parking, speeding, etc.).
• Non-work-related clothing (jeans, plain shirts, etc.).

Common Mistakes

• Claiming home-to-work travel (not allowed unless you’re carrying bulky tools and there’s no secure storage at work).
• Claiming the full cost of your phone or internet (only the work portion counts).
• Forgetting to keep receipts or records.
• Double-dipping (claiming the same expense twice).

Record-Keeping Tips

• Keep all receipts for tools, gear, and expenses.
• Use a diary or the ATO myDeductions app to track work trips and expenses.
• Keep a logbook if you use your car for work.
• Hang onto your records for at least five years.

10 Quick Q&As

1. Can I claim my lunch?
   No, unless you’re travelling overnight for work.

2. What about my work boots?
   Yes, if they’re protective (like steel-capped).

3. Can I claim my travel to TAFE or training?
   Yes, if it’s directly related to your current job.

4. What if I use my own ute for work?
   You can claim work-related trips using the right method.

5. Can I claim my hi-vis shirts?
   Yes, if they’re required for safety.

6. Do I need receipts for everything?
   Yes, or you risk missing out if the ATO asks.

7. Can I claim my phone plan?
   Only the work-related portion.

8. What if I buy a new drill for work?
   Claim the full cost if it’s under $300, or depreciate it if it’s over.

9. Can I claim sunscreen?
   Yes, if you work outdoors.

10. What if my boss reimburses me?
    You can’t claim anything you’ve been reimbursed for.

Quick Recap

• Only claim what’s work-related and not reimbursed.
• Keep good records—receipts, logbooks, diaries.
• Don’t try to claim your commute or private expenses.
• If in doubt, check the ATO website or ask a tax pro.

That’s it—follow these tips, keep your paperwork, and start your return with Gotax. No headaches, no dramas.