Tradie Tax Q&A

Will the ATO check my deductions if I claim too much?

The ATO can review deductions, especially where claims are large, unusual, poorly explained, or unsupported by records.

Last updated: 7 July 2026. General information for Australian tradies. Not personal tax advice.

What can attract review

Large claims compared with income, repeated round numbers, car claims without a logbook, private-looking expenses, and missing receipts can all raise questions.

What happens in a review

You may be asked to provide evidence for specific claims. If the evidence is enough, the claim can stand. If not, the deduction can be reduced or removed.

How to lower risk

Use realistic amounts, apportion shared expenses, avoid double counting, and keep records for 5 years.

Where to check it in TradieCalc

Use the claim risk panel to see whether your total claims are low, medium or high record-risk.

Open the calculator

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