Aged Care Worker Tax Deductions Australia (FY2025-26)
As an Aged Care Worker, you play a vital role in supporting our elderly population. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recognises that you incur various expenses directly related to your work. This comprehensive guide for FY2025-26 will help you understand what you can legitimately claim as tax deductions, ensuring you maximise your refund. We'll cover common work-related expenses, from uniforms and professional development to vehicle use and home office costs, providing clear examples and ATO guidelines. Keeping accurate records, such as receipts and logs, is crucial for substantiating your claims. By following this guide, you can confidently navigate your tax obligations and potentially achieve a significantly better tax outcome.
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What Aged Care Workers Can Claim
Uniform & Laundry
Aged Care Workers often wear specific uniforms or protective clothing. You can claim the cost of purchasing, repairing, and cleaning these items if they are unique to your job or bear a company logo.
- Work uniform (branded)
Cost of purchasing shirts, pants, tunics, or scrubs with a company logo. If the uniform is less than $300, it's immediately deductible. Otherwise, it must be depreciated.
Receipt required - Protective clothing (scrubs, non-slip shoes)
Cost of buying items like non-slip shoes, scrubs without a logo (if your employer mandates a specific style/colour), and personal protective equipment (PPE) not provided by your employer.
Receipt required - Laundry expenses (uniform)
Cost of washing, drying, and ironing your work uniform. You can claim 50 cents per load if the load contains only work clothes, or a reasonable estimate if mixed. If claims exceed $150, you need records.
No receipt needed - Repair of work uniform
Costs incurred for mending or altering your work-specific uniforms or protective clothing.
Receipt required
Self-Education
To maintain or improve your skills as an Aged Care Worker, you might undertake further education. Costs are deductible if the course directly relates to your current employment and maintains or improves specific skills or knowledge.
- Course fees (directly related)
Fees for courses like Certificate III or IV in Aged Care, First Aid, or Dementia Care, if they directly relate to your current job and not designed to help you get a new job.
Receipt required - Textbooks and study materials
Cost of textbooks, course materials, stationery, and other supplies specifically required for your eligible self-education course.
Receipt required - Travel to/from study (if required)
Costs of travelling from your home or workplace to your place of study (e.g., TAFE, training centre) for eligible work-related self-education.
No receipt needed
Tools & Equipment
You may occasionally need to purchase small tools or equipment necessary for your role as an Aged Care Worker.
- Small medical devices (e.g., stethoscope, blood pressure monitor)
Cost of small, essential medical devices you are required to provide for your work, if the cost is under $300. For items over $300, depreciation rules apply.
Receipt required - Watches with second hands
Purchase cost of a watch with a second hand, if it's specifically required for monitoring vital signs or timings in your aged care duties.
Receipt required - Protective eyewear
Cost of purchasing safety glasses or protective eyewear if required for your role and not provided by your employer.
Receipt required
Vehicle & Travel
If your job requires you to travel between different workplaces, facilities, or to visit clients, you can claim associated vehicle expenses. Travel from home to your primary workplace is generally not deductible.
- Travel between different work locations88¢/km (max 5,000km)
Costs incurred when travelling directly from one aged care facility to another, or to a client's home, if you work at multiple locations for the same employer or have multiple employers.
No receipt needed - Transporting bulky tools/equipment88¢/km (max 5,000km)
Cost of using your own vehicle to transport bulky equipment (e.g., hoist, specialist hygiene supplies) that cannot be left at work and you're required to transport.
No receipt needed - Parking, tolls, and public transport (work-related)
Expenses for parking, road tolls, or public transport fares incurred during work-related travel between different work locations or to attend compulsory training off-site.
Receipt required
Home Office
If you perform some of your work duties from home, such as completing client notes, training, or administrative tasks, you may be able to claim a portion of your home office expenses.
- Home office expenses (fixed rate method)70¢/hour
Claim a fixed rate per hour for all running costs such as electricity, internet, phone, and depreciation of office furniture. Keep records of all hours worked from home.
No receipt needed
Phone & Internet
If you are required to use your personal phone or internet for work-related calls or to access work systems, you can claim a portion of these expenses.
- Work-related phone calls
A percentage of your phone bill proportional to the work-related usage (e.g., calling clients, colleagues, or management). You can calculate this percentage over a typical 4-week period.
Receipt required - Work-related internet usage
A percentage of your home internet bill if you use it for work purposes, such as completing online training, accessing rosters, or remote client care planning.
Receipt required
Other Work-Related
This category covers various other deductions specific to your role that don't fit neatly into the above categories.
- First Aid certification
Cost of obtaining or renewing your First Aid and CPR certification if it is required for your job and not reimbursed by your employer.
Receipt required - Working With Children Check (WWCC)
The fee for obtaining or renewing your Working With Children Check if it is a mandatory requirement for your aged care role.
Receipt required - Police Check/National Criminal History Check
Costs associated with obtaining a police check or national criminal history check if it's a mandatory requirement for your employment.
Receipt required - Agency fees (if applicable)
Any fees paid to an employment agency for finding you an aged care position, provided you are an employee of the aged care facility.
Receipt required
Special Situations for Aged Care Workers
Multiple workplaces/agencies
If you work for multiple aged care facilities or through an agency, travel costs between these different workplaces are deductible. Keep a logbook or detailed records of these trips.
Working from home (admin)
For tasks like charting, administrative duties, or online training performed at home, ensure you keep a diary of hours worked to support your home office claims. The 70c/hour fixed rate is generally the easiest method.
Common Mistakes Aged Care Workers Make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Claiming home-to-work travel | Travel from home to your regular workplace is generally not deductible. Only claim travel between different workplaces, or if transporting bulky equipment. |
| Not keeping a logbook for vehicle claims | If claiming more than 5,000 km, or actual expenses, you'll need a comprehensive logbook for 12 continuous weeks to determine your business use percentage. The cents-per-kilometre method (up to 5,000km) doesn't require a logbook but does require a reasonable basis for your claim. |
| Claiming personal care items | Items like cosmetics, general toiletries, or non-prescription sunglasses are private expenses and not deductible, even if you feel they are necessary for presenting yourself at work. |
| Not substantiating laundry claims over $150 | For laundry claims exceeding $150, you must keep records of your cleaning expenses, such as diary entries or receipts for dry cleaning. Under $150, a reasonable estimate is acceptable. |
| Claiming self-education for a new job | Self-education expenses are only deductible if the course directly relates to your current employment. If the course is to help you get a new job, it's generally not deductible. |
What Aged Care Workers CANNOT Claim
These items are commonly attempted but are NOT deductible under ATO rules. Including them on your return creates audit risk and is one of the top reasons returns get amended.
| 🚫 Item | Why it's NOT deductible |
|---|---|
| Daily commute fuel | Travel from home to your regular place of work is considered private travel, as per TR 95/34, and is not deductible. |
| Conventional clothing | Everyday clothes, even if worn for work, are not deductible per TR 2003/16 as they are not protective, not a compulsory uniform, and have private utility. |
| Daily meals/lunch | The cost of normal meals consumed during your ordinary working hours is considered a private expense and is not deductible. |
| General toiletries/cosmetics | These are personal expenses, regardless of whether you feel they are necessary for your work appearance. |
| Childcare expenses | Childcare costs are considered private expenses, even if incurred so you can go to work. |
| Driver's licence fees (initial/renewal) | The cost of obtaining or renewing a standard driver's licence is a private expense, even if required for your job. |
| Sunscreen (general use) | While protective, general sunscreen use is considered a private expense unless your job involves prolonged, exceptional exposure to the sun requiring specific sun protection. |
How AusTax AI Helps Aged Care Workers Track These Year-Round
Tracking 25+ deductions across the financial year is the hard part. Here's how AusTax AI does it for you — every feature below is free, unlimited.
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5-year ATO compliance
Receipts stored securely with timestamps and category metadata. The ATO requires 5 years of records — done automatically.
Audit risk score
Before you click Lodge in myTax, see a confidence score for each claim. Catch over-claims and missed deductions in advance.
How to Claim These on myTax
To claim these expenses, lodge your tax return through ATO myTax. Each deduction goes into the matching section (Work-Related Expenses, Self-Education, Donations, etc.). For a step-by-step walkthrough of every myTax screen — from logging in to receiving your refund — see our complete lodgement guide.
Records to Keep
The ATO requires you to keep records for 5 years from your lodgement date. FY2025-26 receipts should be kept until 31 October 2031. Acceptable formats: original paper receipts, photos or scans (digital copies are accepted), bank or credit card statements, and logbooks for vehicle and WFH claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim the cost of my work shoes if they aren't 'safety' shoes?
Yes, if your employer requires you to wear a specific type of shoe (e.g., non-slip, closed-toe) that is distinct from normal footwear, you can claim them. If they are just comfortable, conventional shoes, then no.
I work from home completing client notes. Can I claim my internet and phone?
Yes, you can claim the work-related portion of your internet and phone bill. You can calculate this by reviewing a typical 4-week period to determine your work usage percentage. Alternatively, the 70c/hour fixed rate for home office covers these costs.
What records do I need for laundry claims?
If you claim $150 or less, you don't need receipts, but your claim must be reasonable. For claims over $150, you need records of your actual expenses, such as diary entries of washing cycles or dry cleaning receipts.
Can I claim a first aid course if my employer already paid for it?
No, you cannot claim expenses that have been reimbursed by your employer. You can only claim the portion of the expense that you personally paid and were not compensated for.
I bought a new work bag. Is it deductible?
A work bag is generally deductible if it is primarily used to carry work-related items, such as your work diary, client notes, work equipment, or professional development materials. If it's a general-purpose handbag, it's not deductible.
Quick Checklist
- Keep all receipts and invoices for work-related expenses.
- Maintain a logbook if claiming over 5,000 km for vehicle expenses or actual costs.
- Record all hours worked from home if claiming home office expenses.
- Track work-related phone calls and internet usage for accurate claims.
- Ensure any self-education directly relates to your current job.
- Only claim for uniforms or protective clothing that are specific to your employment.
- Separate private expenses from work-related expenses.
- Review your payslips for any reimbursements from your employer.
- Consult a tax professional if you have complex deductions or are unsure.
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Related Occupations
This list provides general guidance based on common deductions for this occupation. Your individual eligibility depends on your work duties and supporting evidence. AusTax AI is not a registered tax agent — for complex situations, consult a registered tax agent.