Tax deductions
What can teachers
claim on tax?
The common work-related deductions for Australian teachers, in plain English. Every claim must pass the ATO's three golden rules: you spent the money yourself and weren't reimbursed, it's directly related to earning your income, and you have a record.
What you can usually claim
Union and professional association fees
Membership of your teachers' union (e.g. AEU branch, IEU, QTU, NSWTF) and subject associations.
Teacher registration renewal
Renewing your registration while you're already employed as a teacher. The first registration you need to get a job generally isn't deductible.
Working With Children Check renewal
Renewals while employed can be claimed; the initial check obtained to get the job generally can't.
Classroom supplies and teaching aids
Stationery, books, resources and materials you buy for your class and aren't reimbursed for. Items over $300 are depreciated over their effective life.
Self-education and PD
Courses, conferences and study that maintain or improve the skills for your current teaching role — including related travel, if not reimbursed.
Technology
The work-use portion of laptops, tablets, software and phone/internet costs. Keep a diary to show your work-use percentage.
Working from home
Lesson planning, marking and reporting at home. The fixed-rate method (70c per hour from 2024–25) requires a record of actual hours worked.
Work-related car travel
Travel between schools on the same day, to excursions, camps or PD — not your normal trip from home to school.
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats when your role involves outdoor duties like yard duty or PE.
Protective and compulsory uniforms
Protective gear (e.g. for science, art or tech) and a distinctive compulsory school uniform — plus laundry of those items.
What you can't claim
- Everyday clothing and shoes, even if you only wear them to school
- Travel between home and your usual school
- Gifts, treats or rewards for students (the ATO treats these as private)
- First aid courses, unless you're the designated first aid person
- Childcare, or grooming and hairdressing
- Anything your school or department reimbursed
- Self-education for a new career or a role you don't hold yet
Keep your records
Keep receipts for five years from lodgement. The myDeductions tool in the ATO app makes it easy to snap receipts and log work-from-home hours and car trips as you go.
Rates change
Fixed rates for working from home and car travel are updated by the ATO most years. Check the current figures before you lodge, and talk to a registered tax agent if unsure.
General information only, not tax advice. Your circumstances may differ — confirm with the ATO or a registered tax agent.