Maximize your tax refund with our easy-to-understand guide for hospitality workers.

This article was first published in June 2024. Tax rules, rates and thresholds may have changed since then, so please check the current position or ask us before acting.

Attention all hospitality workers! Are you aware of the tax deductions you can claim to maximize your refund this year?

Here’s a quick summary to help you save:

Car Expenses: You can claim the cost of using your car for work when driving between separate jobs on the same day or traveling from one workplace to another for the same employer. However, you generally can’t claim the cost of trips between home and work, even if you live far away or work outside normal business hours.

Tools and Equipment Expenses: Claim deductions for work-related tools and equipment, such as chef knives. You can’t claim deductions for private use or if your employer provides the equipment. For items costing more than $300, you need to claim depreciation over several years, but items costing $300 or less can be deducted immediately.

Clothing Expenses: Claim the cost of buying, hiring, mending, or cleaning occupation-specific clothing, such as chef’s pants and hats. Protective clothing required for your job is also deductible. However, expenses for conventional clothing, even if worn at work, are not deductible.

Self-Education Expenses: If you’re taking courses directly related to your current job, like a barista course, you can claim these expenses. However, you can’t claim deductions for courses that are generally related to your profession or designed to get you a new job.

Other Common Work-Related Expenses: Claim the work-related portion of expenses such as phone and internet costs, with records showing your work-related usage, and costs incurred from working at home. Remember, personal expenses like grooming products or flu vaccinations are not deductible.

Ensure you have a record of your expenses, spent the money yourself, and that it directly relates to earning your income.

Visit Hospitality_Worker_Deductions for a comprehensive guide and make sure you’re not leaving any money on the table this tax season!

This article contains general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Tax and superannuation rules change, and some measures discussed may be subject to legislation. Speak with a registered tax agent before acting.