Tax deductions for hospitality workers: what you can claim
Chefs, cooks, waiters, baristas and bar staff can claim some work costs. Here is a simple list.
✔ Registered tax agent✔ Free consultation✔ In person or online, Australia-wide
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 hospitality workers
🔪 Knives & tools
Chef knives and equipment you buy for work.
👨🍳 Occupation clothing
Chef's checked pants, jackets and aprons, plus laundry.
👟 Non-slip shoes
Protective footwear required for safety.
🍸 Licence renewals
Renewing an RSA or food handling certificate for your current job.
📱 Phone
The work-use part.
👥 Union fees
Union and association 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
- Plain black clothes, even if your employer requires them
- Meals you eat at work (unless you get an overtime meal allowance and meet the rules)
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 hospitality workers 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.