1. Keep Every Work-Related Receipt
The single most impactful thing you can do is keep receipts throughout the year, not just at tax time. Work-related receipts include:
- Tools, equipment, and subscriptions used for work
- Work uniforms or protective clothing
- Professional development courses and memberships
- Work-related books, journals, or software
Tip: Use AusTax AI to upload receipts as you receive them. The AI analyses each one immediately, so you know which are deductible before you forget the context.
2. Maximise Your Working From Home Deduction
If you work from home at all, claim it. The ATO (ATO guidelines)'s fixed rate for FY2025–26 is 70 cents per hour.
- 38 hours/week × 48 weeks = $1,277 deduction
- 20 hours/week × 48 weeks = $672 deduction
The key is keeping a record of your WFH hours — a roster, timesheet, or diary entry for each week.
If you have significant electricity, internet, or home office equipment costs, the actual cost method may be even better. AusTax AI automatically compares both methods and applies the higher amount.
3. Claim Vehicle Expenses If You Drive for Work
Driving to clients, between worksites, to conferences, or to pick up work supplies? That's deductible.
For FY2025–26, the cents-per-kilometre rate is 88 cents/km (up to 5,000 km, no logbook needed).
5,000 km × 88¢ = $4,400 deduction — and all you need is a reasonable record of your work trips.
High-mileage workers should consider keeping a logbook for 12 weeks: the logbook method can be worth significantly more.
4. Don't Forget Uniform Laundry
If you have a claimable work uniform, you can also claim laundry costs without receipts:
- $1.00 per machine wash load
- $0.50 per hand wash
Up to $150/year can be claimed without substantiation (receipts or diary). Over $150, keep a four-week representative record.
5. Make Pre-Tax Super Contributions
Salary sacrifice contributions to your superannuation are one of the most tax-effective strategies available.
- Contributions are taxed at 15% in the fund, vs. your marginal rate (up to 47%)
- The concessional (pre-tax) cap for FY2025–26 is $30,000 (including your employer's 12% SGC — final legislated rate from 1 July 2025)
- Unused cap amounts from prior years can be carried forward (if your super balance is under $500k)
Example: If your salary is $90,000 (30% marginal rate after revised Stage 3 cuts, plus 2% Medicare = 32% effective) and you salary sacrifice $10,000 into super, you save approximately $1,700 in tax compared to receiving it as salary (32% effective − 15% super contributions tax = 17% saving on each sacrificed dollar).
Speak to your employer's payroll team to set up salary sacrifice, or make personal deductible contributions (claim with a Notice of Intent to Claim form).
6. Time Large Purchases Strategically
For items over $300 that require depreciation, the timing matters less than many think — you'll eventually claim all the depreciation. But for items under $300, claiming them in a higher-income year gives a larger tax benefit.
If you're on the threshold between two tax brackets ($45k, $135k, $190k), a deductible purchase can push your income into the lower bracket and save significantly.
7. Claim All Your Professional Memberships and Subscriptions
Often overlooked:
- Professional association fees (CPA, CA ANZ, ACS, AMA, teaching registration, AHPRA)
- Union dues
- Work-related publications, journals, and subscription services
- LinkedIn Premium (if used for work networking or job-related purposes)
These are often small amounts but fully deductible.
8. Check for Deductions Specific to Your Occupation
The ATO has occupation-specific guidelines. Here are high-value deductions by profession:
| Occupation | Often-Missed Deductions |
|---|---|
| Nurse / Healthcare | Registration fees, CPD, stethoscope, scrubs |
| Teacher | Teaching materials, union fees, classroom supplies |
| Tradesperson | Tools, safety gear, licence renewals |
| IT Professional | Home internet (work portion), certifications, technical books |
| Real Estate Agent | Vehicle logbook (high km usually), phone |
| Accountant | CPA/CA fees, tax software, CPD |
| Pilot / Flight Crew | Licence fees, medical assessments, uniforms |
9. Lodge Early
The ATO begins processing returns from 1 July. Early lodgers typically receive their refunds in 2–4 weeks. Waiting until October (the deadline) delays your refund by months.
10. Use a Registered Tax Agent
A registered Tax Agent can:
- Identify deductions you've missed
- Navigate complex situations (rental property, shares, multiple income sources)
- Lodge on your behalf — and if they make an error, they carry professional indemnity insurance
AusTax AI combines AI efficiency with professional Tax Agent review — you get the speed and automation of software with the professional oversight of a human expert.
Need Help With Your Tax Return?
Complex situation? a registered tax agent (see the directory) Our partner agents review every detail for accuracy and compliance.
*Disclaimer: This is general information only and does not constitute personal tax advice. Consult a registered tax agent for advice tailored to your specific situation. Always verify against the latest ATO guidelines at ato.gov.au.*