Security Guard Tax Deductions Australia (FY2025-26)
Welcome to your ATO tax deduction guide for Security Guards for the FY2025-26 tax year (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026). As a security professional, you often incur expenses directly related to your employment that can significantly reduce your taxable income. This guide helps you identify and correctly claim these deductions. Common claims for Security Guards typically include mandatory licences, uniform costs, and professional development. By keeping meticulous records, you can ensure you're claiming everything you're entitled to, helping you maximise your tax refund.
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What Security Guards Can Claim
Uniform & Laundry
Security Guards frequently wear specific uniforms or protective clothing, and the costs associated with purchasing, repairing, and cleaning these items are generally deductible.
- Purchase of compulsory uniform$80-$200 per item
The cost of purchasing items that are part of a compulsory uniform, identifiable by a logo or specific design, is deductible. This includes shirts, trousers, jackets, and vests. For items over $300, depreciation rules apply.
Receipt required - Protective clothing and footwear$50-$150 per item
Deductions can be claimed for protective items like steel-capped boots, high-visibility vests, safety glasses, and durable work trousers required for your job.
Receipt required - Laundry expenses for uniform70¢ per load (up to $150 without receipts)
If you wash, dry, or iron your work uniform, you can claim 70 cents per load for laundry up to $150 without receipts. If your claim exceeds $150, you'll need to demonstrate how you calculated the cost, and retain receipts for dry cleaning.
No receipt needed - Repair of uniform items$10-$50 per repair
The cost of repairing compulsory work uniforms or protective clothing is deductible. Keep receipts for significant repairs.
Receipt required
Self-Education
If your employer requires you to undertake specific training or you pursue courses directly related to improving your skills in your current security role, these self-education expenses may be deductible.
- Security licence renewals (e.g., Class 1, Class 2)$100-$300/year (depending on state/licence type)
The cost of renewing your mandatory state-issued security licences (e.g., NSW Security Licence, Victorian Security Licence) is deductible as it's essential for your employment.
Receipt required - First Aid/CPR certifications$70-$150 per course
If your employer requires you to maintain current First Aid or CPR certification, the course fees are deductible.
Receipt required - Specialised training courses$150-$500 per course
Costs for courses directly related to your current role, such as conflict resolution, advanced security techniques, or specific equipment operation (e.g., X-ray screening), if employer-required or directly improves current job skills.
Receipt required
Tools & Equipment
Security Guards may purchase specific tools or equipment necessary for their duties, and these costs can be claimed.
- Torches and batteries$20-$100 per torch
The cost of purchasing high-performance torches and replacement batteries used for patrols, especially in low-light environments, is deductible.
Receipt required - Work bags/backpacks$30-$80
If you purchase a bag specifically to carry work-related items like your uniform, documents, or essential equipment to and from work, it's deductible.
Receipt required - Pens, notebooks, and logbooks$5-$20/year
Expenses for stationery items used for report writing, shift logs, or note-taking during your duties are deductible.
Receipt required
Vehicle & Travel
When you use your own vehicle for work-related travel (excluding travel between home and a regular workplace), you can claim deductions.
- Travel between different work locations88¢/km (up to 5,000km)
If you are required to travel from one client site to another or between different branches of your employer during your shift, these kilometres are deductible. You can claim 88 cents per kilometre up to 5,000 km without detailed logbook.
No receipt needed - Travel to attend work-related training88¢/km (up to 5,000km)
Travel to and from courses, seminars, or workshops directly related to your current job (e.g., First Aid, specific equipment training) is deductible.
No receipt needed
Phone & Internet
If you use your personal phone or internet for work-related calls, emails, or accessing rosters, a portion of these costs can be claimed.
- Work-related phone callsPortion of bill
You can claim the work-related portion of your personal mobile phone bill. This includes calls to supervisors, other guards, or clients. Keep a log for a representative four-week period to determine the work-use percentage.
Receipt required - Work-related internet usagePortion of bill
If you use your home internet for work purposes, such as accessing rosters, responding to work emails, or completing online training, you can claim a portion of your internet bill.
Receipt required
Other Work-Related
This category covers various other expenses directly incurred in performing your duties as a Security Guard.
- Watch and timer$20-$50
If you are required to have a watch for timekeeping rounds or specific duties, and it's not provided by your employer, its cost is deductible.
Receipt required - Work-related stationery$5-$20/year
Any pens, notebooks, or other general stationery purchased for completing incident reports, logbooks, or other official work documentation are deductible.
Receipt required
Special Situations for Security Guards
Multiple client sites/agency work
If you work for an agency and are regularly required to travel to different client sites directly from home, and these sites are considered temporary workplaces, your travel costs may be deductible. Keep detailed records of dates, distances, and purposes.
Remote or isolated work sites
If you work at a remote location and are required to incur additional costs for meals or accommodation that are not reimbursed by your employer, these may be deductible. Specific conditions apply, so keep receipts and check ATO guidelines carefully.
Common Mistakes Security Guards Make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Claiming travel from home to a regular workplace | Travel between your home and your regular workplace is considered private travel and is generally not deductible. Only claim travel between different work locations during a shift, or to attend employer-required training. |
| Not keeping records for small claims | Even for small claims like laundry, it's crucial to have a reasonable basis for your claim. While you don't need receipts for small uniform laundry claims (up to $150), understanding the 70 cents per load rule is important. For other claims, keep receipts for everything. |
| Claiming personal items as work-related | Only claim items directly related to your work. A regular pair of shoes worn casually, even if comfortable for long shifts, is not deductible unless it's specific protective footwear (e.g., steel-capped boots). |
| Overstating laundry claims | Ensure your laundry claim is accurate. The 70 cents per load is for an average load. Estimate the number of actual work uniform loads you wash per week and multiply by 52 weeks, rather than a generic guess. |
| Not apportioning phone/internet usage | You cannot claim 100% of your personal phone or internet bill unless it's exclusively used for work. You must reasonably apportion the work-related percentage based on a four-week representative period. |
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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 security guard licence application?
The initial cost of obtaining your first security guard licence is generally not deductible as it's considered a personal expense to enable you to gain employment. However, all subsequent renewal fees for that licence are fully deductible.
Is my standard black work trousers deductible if they don't have a logo?
Generally, plain black trousers are not deductible as they are considered conventional clothing. For them to be deductible, they must be part of a compulsory and unique uniform identifiable by a logo or specific design, or they must be protective in nature (e.g., made of specific durable material for security work).
I use my personal car to drive to different client sites. How do I claim this?
You can claim these work-related kilometres using the cents per kilometre method. For FY2025-26, this is 88 cents per kilometre, up to a maximum of 5,000 kilometres. You'll need to keep a diary of your trips, noting the date, purpose, and distance travelled.
Can I claim meals and snacks I eat during my shift?
No, ordinary daily meals and snacks consumed during your shift are considered private expenses and are not deductible, even if you are working overtime. You can only claim for meals if you are required to travel overnight for work and incur additional expenses.
What if my employer reimburses me for an expense?
If your employer reimburses you for an expense, you generally cannot claim it as a deduction. If they only reimburse a portion, you can claim the unreimbursed amount, but you must declare the reimbursement as income if it's not already included on your PAYG summary.
Do I need receipts for everything?
Yes, generally you need receipts for all work-related expenses. The ATO may allow claims up to $300 in total without receipts (but still requires a reasonable basis for calculation). For laundry, you can claim up to $150 without specific receipts using the 70 cents per load rule. Always keep good records.
Quick Checklist
- Retain all receipts for work-related purchases, regardless of the amount.
- Keep a logbook or diary for any work-related vehicle travel, noting date, purpose, and kilometres.
- Record your home office hours if claiming WFH expenses using the fixed rate.
- Document your work-related phone and internet usage for a representative four-week period.
- Keep records of all uniform purchases, including protective clothing and footwear.
- Note down any self-education or training course fees and associated travel costs.
- Ensure your security licence renewal fees are paid and retain proof of payment.
- Review your payslips and PAYG summary to ensure all income is accounted for.
- Consider if you are eligible for any low-value pool depreciation for items over $300.
- Check if any expenses were reimbursed by your employer before claiming them.
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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.