Tax deductions guide
Scaffolder Tax Deductions Australia 2025-26
Scaffolders often need PPE, tickets, travel records, and union or licence costs. This page gives a practical tax checklist. It is written for scaffolders and access workers and is designed to work with the free TradieCalc.au tax calculator.
Open the free tradie tax calculatorCommon deductions to check
- Harnesses, tool belts, spanners, levels, gloves, boots, hard hats, hi-vis, sunscreen, and wet weather gear.
- High-risk work licence renewals, white card, working at heights, EWP, forklift, first aid, and union fees.
- Travel between job sites, parking, tolls, and vehicle costs where records support the claim.
- Phone, internet, and admin expenses for ABN workers or supervisors.
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
- Ticket renewal invoices and certificates.
- Receipts for PPE and tools.
- Travel diary with job locations.
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 initial licences without checking deductibility.
- Claiming home-to-work travel by default.
- Not replacing lost receipts with bank evidence and notes.
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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