Blog

Guides by country: US tax guides, UK tax guides, Australian tax guides.

Tax Deductions for Content Creators and YouTubers in Australia

Tax Deductions for Content Creators and YouTubers in Australia

In short: Australian content creators and YouTubers can claim deductions only if the ATO considers their content creation a business, not a hobby. Monetising it consistently with an intent to profit almost certainly makes it a business. The biggest deductions are then camera and video gear, editing software subscriptions, an editing computer and storage, and home studio and home office running costs.

Read More
BAS Lodgement Guide: How to Prepare Your Quarterly BAS

BAS Lodgement Guide: How to Prepare Your Quarterly BAS

In short: In Australia, a sole trader or small business registered for GST lodges a BAS every quarter, due on the 28th of the month after the quarter ends (28 February for the December quarter). To prepare it, reconcile the quarter's receipts, check GST on sales (1A) against GST on purchases (1B), export a report of the totals, then lodge and pay any GST owed by the due date.

Read More
Tax Deductions for Musicians and Artists in Australia

Tax Deductions for Musicians and Artists in Australia

In short: Musicians and artists in Australia can claim instruments and equipment, studio and rehearsal space, recording and production costs, travel to gigs and performances, agent and manager commissions, performance costumes, and marketing. Everyday clothing isn't deductible, even if you wear it on stage. If you qualify as a special professional, the income averaging rules in Division 405 keep a good year from being taxed at a disproportionately high rate.

Read More
Setting Up Your Expense Tracking for the New Financial Year

Setting Up Your Expense Tracking for the New Financial Year

In short: Set up your expense tracking when the Australian financial year starts on 1 July. Review what broke down last year, use categories that match your tax return and BAS, scan every receipt the moment you get it, open a dedicated business bank account, and set reminders for BAS deadlines (if you're registered for GST) and for 31 October if you lodge your own return.

Read More
Tax Deductions for Personal Trainers in Australia

Tax Deductions for Personal Trainers in Australia

In short: Personal trainers in Australia, employed by a gym or running their own PT business, can claim most of the costs of their work. The biggest deductions are fitness equipment, certifications and CPD for their current work, insurance premiums, and travel between clients, gyms and outdoor locations. Plain activewear and sports shoes are not deductible, and travel from home to the first client is generally a non-deductible commute.

Read More
Tax Deductions for Freelance Photographers in Australia

Tax Deductions for Freelance Photographers in Australia

In short: Freelance photographers in Australia can claim camera equipment, software subscriptions, computers and storage, props and studio costs, insurance, marketing, and travel to shoot locations. A photography business with an aggregated turnover under $10 million that uses the simplified depreciation rules can claim the business-use share of each item costing less than $20,000 in full in the year it is first used.

Read More
Tax Deductions for Teachers in Australia

Tax Deductions for Teachers in Australia

In short: Teachers in Australia can claim classroom supplies they pay for themselves, teaching resources and subscriptions, professional registration, union fees, professional development, and travel between schools on the same day. Each expense must be work-related and not reimbursed by the school. In 2025-26 you need receipts once work claims pass $300; from 2026-27 a $1,000 standard deduction needs none. The regular commute between home and school is not deductible.

Read More
Tax Deductions for Nurses and Healthcare Workers in Australia

Tax Deductions for Nurses and Healthcare Workers in Australia

In short: Nurses and other healthcare workers in Australia can claim compulsory uniforms and their laundry, professional registration, union and association fees, continuing professional development that relates to their current role, medical equipment, and travel between workplaces. Plain clothes aren't deductible, even under an employer dress code, and neither is the regular commute between home and work, even for shifts at unusual hours.

Read More
Vehicle and Travel Expense Deductions: The ATO's Rules Explained

Vehicle and Travel Expense Deductions: The ATO's Rules Explained

In short: Under ATO rules, your regular commute is not deductible, but travel between two separate workplaces generally is. Car expenses are claimed with either the cents per kilometre method, at 88 cents for 2024-25 and 2025-26 (91 cents from 1 July 2026) on up to 5,000 business kilometres a year, or the logbook method, which applies the business-use percentage from a 12-week logbook to your actual running costs.

Read More
$1,000 Flat Deduction vs Itemising: Which Wins?

$1,000 Flat Deduction vs Itemising: Which Wins?

In short: From FY2026-27 (income from 1 July 2026), Australian wage earners can take a flat $1,000 work-related deduction, which the ATO applies automatically, or itemise. If your documented work-related expenses exceed $1,000, itemise and claim the actual total; if they are under $1,000, or you have not kept records, take the flat $1,000. You can switch each financial year.

Read More
Tags