The deductions tradies most often leave off their return.

Trades and construction work generate more out-of-pocket costs than almost any other line of work: tools, protective gear, licences and tickets and a vehicle that carries the lot. They also generate returns done in a hurry, often from memory and a lot ends up left off.

A registered tax agent checks the lodged return against the ATO's guidance for the occupation and against what you tell them about the year. The most common finding is not one big missed claim but a handful of ordinary ones: a licence renewal paid on the day, the laundering of hi-vis, a set of tools that should have been claimed over time and was not claimed at all.

The rules have edges. Getting to work is generally not deductible even with tools in the ute, unless the bulky-equipment conditions are met. The initial licence to enter a trade is treated differently from renewing one you already hold. The agent sorts what holds up from what does not and tells you before anything is lodged.

Tools and equipment

Hand tools, power tools and the accessories that go with them. Items over a threshold are claimed over their effective life rather than in one year and returns frequently either claim the whole cost in one go or, having been told that is wrong, claim nothing. Repairs, insurance and the interest on finance for tools can also come into it.

Protective clothing and gear

Steel-capped boots, hi-vis, hard hats, gloves, safety glasses and sun protection for outdoor work, plus the cost of laundering the lot. Plain workwear without protective function is not deductible.

Vehicle and travel

Travel between job sites during the day, from a depot to a site and carrying bulky tools where the employer provides no secure storage. Two methods exist for claiming a vehicle, they produce different results and need different records and the agent checks the right one was used and substantiated.

Licences, tickets and memberships

Renewals of licences and tickets you hold for your current work, union fees and industry memberships. The cost of getting a licence to start in a trade is generally treated differently from renewing one.

How to get it looked at

Tell us the income years you have lodged and your trade. A registered tax agent reviews the return, free and tells you in writing whether an amendment is worth lodging. Refunds are not guaranteed and nothing is lodged without your written approval.

General information only. It does not take account of your circumstances and is not tax advice. Untax is a marketing and referral service and is not a registered tax agent.