Work Deductions · Calculator

Work-Related Deductions Calculator

Combine WFH, car, self-education, union fees, clothing, laundry and tools into one EOFY estimate. Choose the income year, compare car methods, and see the change in resident income tax and Medicare levy.

Bundled claimLogbook vs cents/kmDouble-dip warnings
01 —INPUTS

The tax-saving estimate applies resident rates, LITO and the Medicare levy settings below.

1. Work from home

Fixed-rate method: $0.70/hr covers electricity, gas, phone, internet, stationery and computer consumables. Eligible asset decline in value is separate.

2. Car expenses

Include substantiated running costs and eligible decline in value; exclude purchase price, principal and private-use apportionment.

Enter both methods to compare them. The selected method is the amount included in your total claim.

3. Self-education

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

4. Other work-related claims

ATO estimate: $1 per work-only load or $0.50 per mixed load. The $150 rule is a written-evidence exception, not a flat deduction.

The asset estimate is for an item first used during the selected income year. Earlier assets require their opening adjustable value.

02 —RESULTS
Awaiting input

Enter your deductions to see the estimated tax saving.

Edit inputs ↑
FAQ
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?
The $300 rule is a written-evidence exception, not an automatic deduction. If covered work expenses exceed $300, written evidence generally needs to prove the full claim, not only the excess. Car and laundry have category-specific rules, but you must still show how you calculated the amount. Keep records for 5 years after lodging in most cases.
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 is 88c for 2025-26 and 91c for 2026-27, capped at 5,000 work kilometres per car. The logbook method uses your business-use percentage and substantiated running costs. This calculator shows both amounts, but only includes the method you select in the total claim.
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. Eligible clothing can include compulsory distinctive uniforms, occupation-specific clothing and protective clothing. The $150 laundry rule only removes the need for written evidence in qualifying cases; it does not create a flat claim. The ATO accepts $1 per work-only load or 50c per mixed load as a reasonable calculation basis.

Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2026-27

Estimates eligible employee deductions for 2025-26 or 2026-27. Uses year-specific WFH and car rates, load-based laundry estimates, work-use apportionment, and first-year prime-cost or diminishing-value depreciation from the entered first-use date. Tax saving uses resident income tax after LITO and the entered Medicare household settings. Excludes HELP, MLS, SAPTO and other offsets; it is not a refund forecast.

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