Are you leaving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars behind each year?
Millions of Australians fail to claim legitimate tax deductions simply because they don’t know what’s allowed.
In this guide, we reveal the top overlooked tax deductions in Australia for 2025 — and how to claim them correctly through the ATO or tax software like Etax and H&R Block.
1. Working from Home Expenses
If you worked remotely in FY2025 — even part-time — you may be entitled to claim:
- Home office electricity
- Internet and mobile phone bills (work % only)
- Office furniture and equipment
- Depreciation on work-related assets over $300
Shortcut method (67¢/hour) vs actual cost method – choose the one that gives you the bigger deduction.
Bonus Tip: Use TaxFox to track hours and expenses easily.
2. Tools and Equipment
Tradies, hairdressers, photographers — did you buy gear for work?
You can claim:
- Tools, toolkits, ladders
- Hairdressing scissors, kits
- Cameras, lenses, and accessories
- Laptops and tablets (if used for work)
Items under $300 can often be fully deducted in the year you buy them.
3. Car and Travel Costs
You may be eligible to deduct:
- Car use for work trips (excluding commute)
- Fuel, rego, insurance, servicing (logbook method)
- Work-related travel expenses (flights, hotels, meals)
Must have records! Use the ATO logbook method or cents-per-km (up to 5,000km).
4. Self-Education Expenses
Upskilling for your current role? Claim things like:
- Course fees
- Online training, certifications
- Stationery, textbooks, printing
- Travel to/from campus
Courses must relate to your existing job, not a career change.
5. Investment Property Expenses
Landlords, don’t forget these claimable items:
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Repairs and pest control
- Property manager fees
- Interest on investment loans
Plus, depreciation on building and assets using a Quantity Surveyor report.
Pro tip: BMT Tax Depreciation offers ATO-compliant reports.
6. Super Contributions (Voluntary)
If you top up your super:
- Claim up to $27,500 total (incl. employer) as a tax deduction
- Must lodge a Notice of Intent form with your super fund
- Can reduce taxable income and boost retirement savings
7. Crypto & Share Trading Losses
Traded Bitcoin, Ethereum, or ASX shares?
- Deduct capital losses against capital gains
- Offset losses up to years in the future
- Claim exchange fees and software subscriptions
Keep trade records: date, value, fees, wallet, and purpose.
8. Donations to Charity
Gave over $2 to an ATO-registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)?
You can claim:
- One-off donations
- Monthly giving plans
- Workplace charity schemes
Keep the receipt — digital copies accepted!
9. Tax Agent Fees
Yes — the cost of doing your tax return is itself tax-deductible next year.
Claim:
- Etax fees
- H&R Block online or in-person help
- Other registered tax agent fees
Deduct it under “Other Deductions” in your next return.
10. Subscriptions & Memberships
Relevant to your job? You can often claim:
- Industry body fees (e.g., CPA, Teachers Federation)
- Work-related magazines, journals, apps
- News sites like AFR or The Australian (if needed for your role)
Summary Table: Most Missed Deductions
| Category | Claimable Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home Office | Internet, furniture, electricity | % work use only |
| Tools | Laptops, gear, phones | <$300 = full claim |
| Car/Travel | Logbook %, work trips | No commute costs |
| Education | Tuition, books, travel | Must relate to current job |
| Investments | Property expenses, crypto losses | Records required |
| Donations | $2+ to DGRs | Keep receipts |
| Tax Prep | Tax agent fees | Claim next year |
💡 Maximise Your Refund with These Tools
Use these ATO-linked platforms to get it right:
- Etax – Smart interface + live help
- H&R Block Online – Great for complex claims
- TaxFox – For expense tracking and logs
- myTax (ATO) – Free, DIY option
Final Word
Australia’s tax system rewards those who keep records and know the rules.
Don’t guess — claim every dollar you’re legally entitled to.
Even small deductions can make a big difference to your ATO refund.
