What do other tradies usually claim?
There is no safe average that applies to every tradie. A reasonable claim depends on trade, income type, tools, travel, ABN work and records.
Last updated: 7 July 2026. General information for Australian tradies. Not personal tax advice.
Why averages can mislead
A PAYG apprentice with employer-provided tools may claim little. An ABN builder buying materials and paying insurance may claim much more.
Better benchmark than average
Compare categories: tools, PPE, vehicle, licences, phone, home office, insurance and ABN costs. If one category is unusually high, make sure the records are strong.
Round numbers look weak
Claims made of neat round numbers without receipts or calculations are harder to defend than itemised records.
Where to check it in TradieCalc
Use the breakdown and risk panel to see which category drives your total claim.
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