Tax deductions for IT professionals: what you can claim
Developers, engineers, analysts and support staff often work from home and pay for their own tech. Here is what you can usually claim.
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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 IT professionals
🏠 Working from home
Electricity, internet and other running costs, using the fixed rate or actual cost method.
💻 Computers & monitors
The work-use part. Items over $300 are claimed over time.
🖱️ Accessories
Keyboards, mice, headsets and similar items.
☁️ Software & subscriptions
Tools and subscriptions you pay for and use for work.
🎓 Certifications
Courses and exams related to your current role.
📱 Phone & internet
The work-use part.
📖 Books & journals
Technical books and publications.
👥 Memberships
Professional 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
- Certifications to move into a completely new field
Contracting through a company? The personal services income rules may apply. See our PSI guide.
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
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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 IT professionals 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.