HR manager guide

Tax for HR Managers Australia

Q: Can HR managers claim working from home expenses?

HR managers can generally claim eligible WFH costs if they incur the expense themselves, use an accepted ATO method, and keep the required records.

Q: Can HR managers claim phone use and training?

HR managers can generally claim the work-related share of phone use and current-role training where they paid the cost personally and were not reimbursed.

Q: Can HR managers claim ordinary business clothing?

HR managers generally cannot claim standard business clothing, even if a polished appearance is expected.

This page is for HR managers and people-and-culture staff who want a practical guide to WFH, phone use, training, and mixed-use office costs.

Quick answer: HR managers can often claim eligible WFH costs, work-use phone and internet, and current-role training, but officewear, personal grooming, and unsupported percentages remain common problem areas.

Common HR manager deduction areas

Often relevant

Working from home expenses using an accepted ATO method
Phone, internet, and small office tools with a work-use split
Current-role training, conferences, and memberships paid personally
Laptops, monitors, and office equipment used to earn income
Travel between offices or work sites where the trip is genuinely work-related

Common traps

Claiming ordinary business clothing, shoes, or grooming
Claiming employer-paid memberships, software, or equipment
Using rough work-use percentages for phones or internet
Claiming study aimed at moving into a materially different profession

WFH and substantiation checkpoints

WFH records: keep the evidence required for the method you use.
Training link: the course must maintain or improve current-role skills.
Private use: mixed-use devices and services need apportionment.
Reimbursements: employer-paid costs usually cannot be claimed again.

Start with these calculators

Tax return calculator

Estimate the refund impact of eligible HR-manager deductions.

Pay calculator

Check take-home pay across weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or annual salary.

Income tax calculator

Model annual tax before and after deductions.

Salary sacrifice calculator

Compare concessional super contributions against current pay.

HR manager tax FAQs

Can HR managers claim working from home expenses?

Often yes where the cost is yours, the work is done from home, and you keep the required records.

Can HR managers claim phone use and training?

Often yes for the work-related share or current-role course costs paid personally.

Can HR managers claim ordinary business clothing?

Usually no for standard businesswear.

Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2025-26

This page summarises common HR-manager deduction patterns only. Because the ATO does not appear to publish a standalone HR-manager occupation guide, outcomes depend on reimbursement, private-use apportionment, and whether the expense directly relates to current duties.

Last reviewed: March 2026 Uses 2025-26 ATO rates.