Tax deductions for cleaners: what you can claim
Whether you work for a cleaning company or for yourself, there are costs you may be able to claim. Here is a simple guide.
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The 3 golden rules
💳 You paid for it
You spent the money yourself and were not reimbursed by your employer.
💼 It is for work
It is directly related to earning your income, not private use.
🧾 You have a record
Keep receipts, invoices, bank records, a diary or a logbook.
If something is used for both work and private purposes, you can only claim the work-related part.
Common deductions for cleaners
🧴 Cleaning products
Products and equipment you buy that your employer does not supply.
🧤 Protective gear
Gloves, masks and protective footwear.
👕 Uniforms
A compulsory uniform with a logo, and its laundry.
🚗 Travel between sites
Driving from one cleaning job to another in the same day.
📱 Phone
The work-use part.
👥 Union fees
Union fees.
Usually NOT deductible
- Travel between home and your normal workplace (in most cases)
- Normal clothes, even if your employer asks you to wear them (e.g. black pants and a white shirt)
- Haircuts, make-up, grooming and gym fees
- Fines, child care and private expenses
- Anything your employer paid for or reimbursed
Cleaning with an ABN? You may be running a business. You can claim business expenses, and may need to think about GST and super. Ask us.
Records to keep
- Receipts and invoices for every work expense
- Your income statement from myGov
- A logbook or diary of work car trips
- A record of hours worked from home
- Phone and internet bills with your work-use percentage worked out
How UV TAX can help
- We check every deduction you are entitled to – and nothing you are not
- Lodge in person in Truganina or Point Cook, or 100% online
- Free consultation and fixed-fee quote before we start
- Catch up on late or past returns
⚠️ General information only – not tax advice. Deductions depend on your own circumstances, your employer's policies and any allowances or reimbursements you receive. This is a general list only. This page is a simple overview as at November 2026 and does not consider your personal circumstances. Laws, rates and thresholds change, and outcomes are decided by the tax office – UV TAX cannot guarantee any result. Please get advice for your situation before acting.
Lodge your tax return with UV TAX
Free consultation and a fixed-fee quote before we start.
0466 268 405Frequently asked questions
Can I claim without receipts?
You need records for your claims. For some small claims, like laundry, other evidence may be accepted, but it is always best to keep receipts.
Can I claim the cost of getting to work?
Usually not. Travel between home and your normal workplace is private. There are limited exceptions, for example carrying bulky tools with no secure storage at work.
Can I claim working from home?
If you work from home for your job, you can usually claim using the fixed rate method (a set rate per hour) or the actual cost method. You need a record of the hours you worked from home.
How much does a tax return for cleaners cost at UV TAX?
We give you a free, fixed-fee quote before we start. Call 0466 268 405.
Related
General information current as at November 2026.