Tax Tips for Fast Food Workers
Tax Tips for Fast Food Workers (2025)
What You Can Claim
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Uniforms and Protective Clothing
- Branded uniforms with your employer’s logo
- Protective gear (aprons, non-slip shoes, hairnets, gloves)
- Laundry costs for your work uniform (keep a record of your washes)
-
Work-Related Training
- Courses or certificates directly related to your current job (like food safety)
-
Union Fees and Memberships
- If you pay union fees or join a hospitality association, you can claim them
-
Work-Related Phone Use
- If you use your phone for work (like checking rosters or calling in sick), claim the work portion
What You Can’t Claim
- Plain clothes (like black pants or shoes, even if your boss asks for them)
- Meals, snacks, or drinks at work
- Travel to and from your regular workplace (that’s just commuting)
- Anything your boss reimburses you for
Common Mistakes
- Claiming plain clothes as a deduction
- Claiming your daily travel to work
- Forgetting to keep receipts or records
Record-Keeping Tips
- Keep receipts for uniforms, laundry, and training
- Use a diary or the Gotax Deduction Grabber app to track expenses
- Keep your records for at least five years
10 Quick Q&As
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Can I claim my black pants and shoes?
No, unless they’re part of a compulsory, logo’d uniform. -
What about my apron?
Yes, if it’s required for work. -
Can I claim my meals at work?
No, meals are private. -
What if I do a food safety course?
Yes, if it’s required for your current job. -
Can I claim travel to work?
No, that’s commuting. -
What if I use my phone for work?
Claim the work-related portion only. -
Can I claim laundry for my uniform?
Yes, if it’s a compulsory uniform. -
What if my boss pays me back?
You can’t claim anything you’re reimbursed for. -
Can I claim union fees?
Yes, if you pay them. -
Do I need receipts?
Yes, keep them for all your claims.
Quick Recap
- Only claim work-related expenses, not private ones
- Keep your receipts and records
- Don’t try to claim your commute or plain clothes
That’s it—keep it simple, keep your records, and you’ll breeze through tax time.
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