From classroom supplies to professional development costs, educators across Australia are heading into tax time with questions — and plenty of potential deductions on the table.
Below, H&R Block, Director of Tax Communications, Mark Chapman, outlines what teachers, tutors, and education support staff can legally claim at EOFY 2025 — and what the ATO is looking out for this year.
Q: What self-education expenses can I claim?
A: If your course or conference directly relates to your current job (e.g. a course on working with children with special needs), you can claim:
• Course fees (if not reimbursed)
• Textbooks
• Stationery
• Internet usage
• Depreciation of computer or tablet used for study
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Q: Can I claim home office expenses?
A: Yes, if you work from home, claim running costs including:
• Depreciation of office equipment
• Work-related internet and phone usage
• Electricity for heating, cooling and lighting
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Q: What work-related equipment can I claim?
A: You can claim items such as:
• Computers, laptops, tablets, printers, mobile phones
o Items under $300: Immediate deduction
o Over $300: Claim over several years (depreciation)
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Q: Can I claim car expenses?
A: Yes, if:
• Driving between two jobs on the same day
• Driving to/from alternate workplaces for the same employer
• Driving from home when carrying bulky equipment (e.g. 20kg+ sporting gear), only if:
o Employer requires transport of equipment
o Equipment is essential to earning income
o No secure storage at work
Must keep a logbook and receipts or use the cents-per-km method (88c/km).
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Q: What other work-related deductions can I claim?
A: You may claim the work-related portion of:
• Phone and internet usage
• Excursions, camps and school trips
• First aid courses
• Conferences and seminars
• Sunglasses, sunhats (protective gear)
• Teaching aids
• Professional journals or publications
• Union and professional association fees
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Common mistakes educators make at tax time
Q: Can I claim everything I’ve spent related to work?
A: Only if the expense was incurred to earn your income, and you have proof (receipt, invoice, bank record).
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Q: Can I claim working from home due to COVID-19?
A: Yes. You can claim:
• Gas
• Electricity
• Internet
• Mobile phone
Three methods available — a tax accountant can help identify the best one.
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Q: Can I claim clothing and uniforms?
A: Yes, but only if occupation-specific or required uniforms.
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Q: What about protective COVID-19 items?
A: Yes — hand sanitiser, antibacterial soap, and face masks are claimable if required for work.
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Q: Can I claim my handbag?
A: If it’s used for work (e.g. to carry documents), you can claim the work-related portion of the cost.
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Q: What happens if I overclaim deductions?
• You’ll be flagged by the ATO’s myTax system.
• If audited and your claims are incorrect:
o You must repay the avoided tax
o Plus interest
o Possibly a penalty of 25% to 95% of the tax avoided
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Q: Can I rely on ATO pre-filled data when self-lodging?
A: No — always check the data. Pre-fill may be incomplete, especially early in July or August.
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Q: What basic mistakes should I avoid?
• Not updating your name/address with the ATO
• Forgetting to include bank details
• Spelling mistakes that prevent ID matching
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Q: Are self-education expenses different from work-related expenses?
A: No. Self-education is a category under work-related deductions.
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EOFY checklist for teachers, tutors, and casual educators
Q: Is there a checklist I should follow?
A: Yes — refer to all of the above deductions and avoid common mistakes to maximise your return.