Work-Related Deductions Calculator Australia

Combine WFH, car, self-education, union fees, uniform, laundry and tools into a single EOFY claim. Uses 2025-26 ATO rates and shows your marginal-rate refund live.

Used to calculate your marginal tax rate and refund.

1. Work from home

Fixed-rate method: $0.70/hr covers electricity, gas, phone, internet, stationery, depreciation.

2. Car expenses

3. Self-education

Must have sufficient nexus with your current income. HECS-HELP repayments are not deductible.

4. Other work-related claims

Items over $300 depreciate (DV method). Laptop 2y, desktop 4y, desk 20y.

Enter your deductions to see your refund boost.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a work-related deduction in Australia?
An expense is deductible under s8-1 ITAA 1997 if you incurred it in earning your assessable income, it is not private or capital in nature, and you weren't reimbursed. The ATO's three-part test: you spent the money yourself, it directly relates to earning your income, and you have a record to prove it.
Do I still need receipts for everything?
You need receipts if total work-related claims exceed $300. Laundry (up to $150) and cents-per-km (up to 5,000 km) don't need individual receipts, but you still need to justify the claim if audited. Keep all records for 5 years after lodging.
Can I claim WFH hours and phone/internet separately?
No. The 70c/hr fixed rate already bundles electricity, gas, phone, internet and stationery. Claiming those as separate items on top is a double claim. To split them out, switch to the actual-cost method and keep detailed records.
Cents-per-km vs logbook — which is better?
Cents-per-km (88c in 2025-26) is simpler but capped at 5,000 work km. Logbook requires a 12-week representative log plus total running costs, but lets you claim the full work-use percentage with no km cap. This calculator computes both and recommends the higher one.
Is HECS-HELP deductible as self-education?
No. HECS-HELP loan repayments are never deductible. However, self-funded course fees, textbooks, travel to class, and equipment used for study are deductible provided the course has sufficient nexus with your current income. The old $250 non-deductible threshold was repealed from 2022-23.
What about plain black pants or business suits?
Conventional clothing is not deductible, even if your employer requires it. Only compulsory uniforms, occupation-specific clothing (e.g. chef's checked pants), or protective clothing (hi-vis, steel-caps) qualify. Laundry for those items can be claimed up to $150 without receipts.

Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2025-26

Estimates total work-related deductions and refund boost using 2025-26 ATO rates (70c/hr WFH, 88c/km cap 5,000 km, $150 laundry flat). Assumes resident tax rates, 2% Medicare, no SAPTO or other offsets. Big-ticket tools use first-year DV depreciation with half-year apportionment.