If you are a waitress, sales assistant, barista or a retail manager, you can claim the following deductions. You can only claim a deduction if 1) you spent the money and were not reimbursed, 2) was directly related to your income and 3) have a record to prove it. If you work in hospitality or retail, here is what you can claim:

• Car expenses: Costs between different jobs on the same day or between different stores for the same employer e.g. fuel, registration, insurance, parking, tolls, repairs, depreciation (logbook) or work-related business kilometres (cents per kilometre)
• Travel expenses: Accommodation, airfares, taxis, parking, meal costs (overtime or away) and tolls if travelling for work.
• Clothing: Compulsory uniform with a logo, provides protection e.g. aprons, protective gloves, hair nets, or is occupation-specific e.g. chef’s hat
• Laundry/ cleaning of work-related clothing
• Seminars and conferences
• Self-education: Course fees, books, manuals
• Union/ association fees
• Licenses: RSA or gaming license
• Tools and equipment: If it’s more than $300, the deduction can be claimed over a number of years. If it is less than $300, an immediate deduction for the whole cost can be claimed
• Stationery

If you work in hospitality or retail and require assistance on this matter, please contact our office at 03 9973 5905.