What Can I Claim on My Tax Return: Guide to Missed Deductions

Every year, Australians miss out on significant tax refunds simply because they don’t know what they can claim. It’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items, but the real magic often lies in the smaller, unexpected deductions. If you’ve ever asked yourself how to lodge a tax return properly or wondered what else you could claim, this guide is for you.

Getting the most from your tax return isn’t about trickery’s about understanding your entitlements. And as the tax return deadline draws closer, it’s time to double-check the little things that could add up to a bigger refund.

1. Surprising Work-Related Deductions

Not all tax deductions are black and white. Some of the most commonly missed claims are tied to your job, especially if you're working from home, using your tools, or keeping up with your industry. This section explores the not-so-obvious work-related costs you may be able to claim.

1.1 Home Office Expenses Beyond the Basics

If you've worked from homeeven part-time, you might already know about the standard shortcut method. But did you know you can claim specific items like desks, ergonomic chairs, and even a portion of your electricity bill under the fixed rate or actual cost methods?

Many skip over claiming depreciating assets such as computers, monitors, and webcams. These tools can be partially deducted based on their work-related use. Not sure how to calculate your taxable income, including these assets? Use a tax calculator Australia tool to get an estimate.

1.2 Subscriptions, Seminars, and Digital Tools

Staying sharp in your field often means investing in knowledge and resources, but did you know many of these costs are tax-deductible?

Attending online seminars, conferences, or even enrolling in job-specific training courses also qualifies. Keep your receipts and note the purpose, they’ll come in handy when using the ATO tax agent portal or speaking with a tax agent near me.

1.3 Claiming Uniforms, Even for Casual Work

If your work requires a branded or specific uniform, including high-vis gear or protective clothing, the cleaning and maintenance costs are claimable. This applies even to part-time or casual workers. And yes, even aprons with logos or pharmacy scrubs count.

2. Everyday Expenses That Count

You might be surprised at how many of your day-to-day costs could be tax-deductible. This section breaks down common household and lifestyle expenses that could help boost your tax refund if you know how to claim them correctly.

2.1 Phone and Internet for Mixed-Use

Most Australians use their mobile phone and the internet for both personal and work reasons. But not everyone realises that you can proportionately claim these costs. For example, if 40% of your usage is for work, 40% of your bill is deductible.

The same applies to mobile data used while commuting, emailing, or dialling into meetings. If you’re unsure how to portion it, the ATO tax return calculator or your tax agent can guide you.

2.2 Car Expenses Not Tied to Full-Time Travel

Even if you don’t drive for a living, work-related car trips like picking up supplies, attending meetings, or heading to training can be deductible. There are certain methods on how you can claim your car expenses.

2.3 Unexpected Use of Personal Assets

Do you use your personal laptop, printer, or camera for work purposes? You can claim depreciation on these assets. This also applies to storage devices and software subscriptions.

Even a portion of your home’s heating or air conditioning may be deductible if you work in a dedicated workspace. This is often missed by those lodging without a tax accountant or a proper checklist.

3. Private Life, Real Deduction

Not all tax deductions come from the office. Some of the most overlooked claims are hiding in your personal life

3.1 Claiming Part of Your Rent or Mortgage

If you use a dedicated room in your home as your office, a portion of your rent or mortgage interest, along with utilities and insurance, may be claimable. This is different from the shortcut method and can yield a larger deduction.

It’s more work to calculate, but it may be worth it. You’ll want to document your floor plan and room usage, something your tax agent can help formalise.

3.2 Private Health Insurance and Medical Outlays

While you can't claim standard doctor visits, having private health insurance may offer indirect tax benefits. It can help avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge if your income is above a certain threshold.

While you can't claim standard doctor visits, having private health insurance may offer indirect tax benefits. It can help avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge if your income is above a certain threshold.

3.3 Self-Education and Online Learning Costs

Taking an online course that improves your current job skills? That’s claimable. If it directly relates to your existing role or increases income potential in the same field, things like course fees, textbooks, and even stationery are valid.

However, courses that train you for a new occupation don’t qualify. Keep in mind the nuanced difference when calculating with your tax return calculator or when you lodge your tax return through the ATO login. Learn more about self-education tax deductions and what study expenses you can legally claim in Australia.

4. Timing, Tools, and Tax Agents

Getting your tax return right isn’t just about what you claim’s also about when and how you lodge. From key deadlines to useful calculators and the benefits of working with a registered tax agent, this section walks you through the practical side of tax time. If you want to maximise your refund and avoid last-minute stress, timing and the right support matter.

4.1 Tax Return Deadline and Lodging Tips

Each year, the tax return deadline for individuals not using a tax agent is 31 October. If you want more time, a registered tax agent must add you to their client list before this date.

Wondering how to lodge tax return forms quickly? The ATO login system is easy to use, but it can miss some deductions. Many Aussies now prefer to go with a professional who knows the tax maze well.

4.2 Using the ATO Tax Return Calculator

The ATO tax return calculator and Australian tax calculator tools are useful for quick estimates. While not a replacement for detailed advice, they can show how deductions impact your potential tax refund.

4.3 Tax Agent Portal and Professional Help

Tax agents have access to the ATO tax agent portal, which gives them deeper insight into your income, past returns, and deduction history. This means they can find gaps you might not even be aware of.

Check Every Deduction Before You File

Before you hit "submit," revisit every possible deduction, especially the ones that seem minor. They add up.

Whether you prefer doing it yourself using a tax refund calculator or you work with a tax professional, always keep receipts, document usage, and use tools that simplify the process. And remember, claiming everything you're legally entitled to isn't a loophole. It's smart tax planning.

Curious what your refund could look like? Use our free tax return calculator to get a quick estimate. It only takes a minute.