Stop Leaving Money on the Table

Most tradies are leaving thousands of dollars in legitimate tax deductions unclaimed every single year. The ATO allows you to deduct any expense that is directly related to earning your income. As a tradie, that list is longer than you might think.

Your ute or van is likely your biggest deduction. If you use it for work, you can claim:

  • Fuel and oil – keep a logbook for 12 weeks to establish business use percentage
  • Registration and insurance – proportional to business use
  • Repairs and maintenance – tyres, servicing, parts
  • Depreciation – the decline in value over time (or instant asset write-off if eligible)
  • Loan interest – if financed

Tip: The ATO logbook method typically gives you a higher deduction than the cents-per-kilometre method if you drive more than 5,000 km for work annually.

Tools and Equipment

Every tool you buy for work is deductible. Under the instant asset write-off scheme (check current ATO thresholds), you may be able to deduct the full cost in the year of purchase rather than depreciating it over several years.

  • Power tools (drills, grinders, saws)
  • Hand tools (spanners, screwdrivers, levels)
  • Safety equipment (harnesses, helmets, steel-cap boots)
  • Toolboxes and storage systems
  • Ladders and scaffolding
  • Measuring and testing equipment

Work Clothing and Protective Gear

You can claim clothing that is:

  • Compulsory uniform specific to your employer or trade
  • Protective clothing (hi-vis, safety boots, gloves, hard hats)
  • Occupation-specific clothing not suitable for everyday wear

Note: Plain work shirts or jeans are not deductible, even if you only wear them for work.

Phone and Internet

If you use your phone for work (quoting, talking to clients, ordering supplies), you can claim the work-related portion. Keep records for a 4-week period to calculate your usage split.

Licences, Training and Memberships

  • Licence renewals required for your trade
  • Trade union or association fees
  • Training and upskilling courses directly related to your current work
  • Technical journals and industry publications

Home Office (if you do admin from home)

If you handle quoting, invoicing or bookkeeping from a dedicated home office space, you can claim a portion of your home running costs using the ATO's fixed rate or actual cost methods.

Keep Your Receipts!

The golden rule: if you can't prove it, you can't claim it. Use an app like Dext, Hubdoc or even just a dedicated folder in Google Drive. The ATO requires you to keep records for 5 years.

Work With a Tradie-Savvy Accountant

A good accountant who specialises in tradies will often save you more than their fee. Look for one familiar with the construction and trades industry — they'll know every legitimate deduction and keep you out of trouble.