If you are a tradie, you would usually spend long hours working on site and pay for your work-related expenses out of pocket, which means you don’t have much time to think about taxes. 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. Here is a list of tax deductions you can claim:

• Clothing & protective items: Has a logo or provides protection e.g. hi-vis vests, ear muffs, boots, safety glasses, masks, helmets and sunscreen
• Laundry/ cleaning of work-related clothing
• Tools & 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.
• Office: Tablet, computer, internet & mobile phone (work-related portion)
• Permits and licenses: Forklift or heavy vehicle permit
• Self-education: Certificates, upskilling courses, books, manuals, stationery
• Car expenses: Costs between home and work if you are required to transport bulky goods and tools e.g. fuel, registration, insurance, parking, tolls, repairs, depreciation (logbook) or work-related business kilometres (cents per kilometre)
• Union fees
• Travel expenses: Parking and tolls if travelling for work e.g. attending a job site in a different location

If you are a tradie and need more assistance on this matter, please contact our office at 03 9973 5905.