Tax deductions guide
Electrician Tax Deductions Australia 2025-26
Electricians often buy specialist tools, safety gear, testers, licences, and training. This guide explains common tax deductions to check before using the calculator. It is written for electricians and electrical apprentices and is designed to work with the free TradieCalc.au tax calculator.
Open the free tradie tax calculatorCommon deductions to check
- Multimeters, voltage testers, crimpers, insulated hand tools, ladders, tool bags, and replacement batteries used for work.
- PPE such as safety boots, hi-vis, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, hard hats, sunscreen, and site-required protective clothing.
- Electrical licence renewals, white card, working at heights, EWP, first aid, and union or professional association fees where they relate to current work.
- Site-to-site travel, parking, tolls, and work vehicle expenses when you can separate work use from private travel.
What to enter in the calculator
| Calculator section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Tools and PPE | Work tools, protective equipment, replacement parts, and eligible clothing used to earn income. |
| Licences and tickets | Renewals, industry tickets, union fees, and work-related training connected to your current role. |
| Travel and vehicle | Site-to-site kilometres, parking, tolls, overnight travel, or logbook-based work vehicle expenses. |
| ABN contractor mode | Business income, materials, subcontractors, equipment hire, insurance, accounting, super, and PAYG instalments. |
Records to keep
- Invoices or receipts for tools and replacement parts.
- A diary or logbook for vehicle and site-to-site travel.
- Evidence of work use for phone, internet, and shared tools.
Keep records for long enough to support the claim if the ATO asks. Photos of receipts, bank records, supplier statements, and job diaries can all help explain the work connection.
Common mistakes
- Claiming normal home-to-work travel as site travel.
- Claiming initial training that qualifies you for a new job rather than maintaining current skills.
- Forgetting to apportion phone and internet between work and private use.
This guide is general information only. Deductions depend on your circumstances, employment type, and records. Speak with a registered tax agent for personal advice.
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TradieCalc.au is not affiliated with the ATO. Estimates only.
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