What Construction Workers Can Claim
These are the most common deductions the ATO accepts for construction workers. Remember the three rules: you spent the money yourself, it's directly related to earning your income, and you have records to prove it.
| Common Deductions for Construction Workers |
|---|
| Tools under $300 (instant deduction) |
| Tools over $300 (depreciated) |
| Safety gear (hard hat, boots, hi-vis, gloves, glasses) |
| Sun protection |
| Vehicle expenses between sites |
| White/blue card fees |
| Union fees (CFMEU) |
| Phone (site communication) |
Average Claim
The typical construction worker claims around $3,200 in work-related deductions per year. If your claim is significantly above this, make sure your records are bulletproof — the ATO data-matches your claim against others in your occupation.
Watch Out
Travel from home to your regular site is NOT deductible. But if you're sent to different sites regularly and don't have a regular workplace, travel from home to site may be deductible. Keep a logbook.
How to Claim
Report your deductions at Item D1 (work-related expenses) in your tax return. Use myTax or a tax agent. Keep receipts for 5 years. For items under $300, you get an instant deduction. For items over $300 (laptops, tools), you depreciate them over their effective life.
The $300 No-Receipt Rule
You can claim up to $300 in total work-related expenses without receipts. But the ATO can still ask you to show how you calculated the amount. This is a total across ALL categories — not $300 per item.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can construction workers claim on tax?
Common deductions for construction workers include: tools under $300 (instant deduction), tools over $300 (depreciated), safety gear (hard hat, boots, hi-vis, gloves, glasses), sun protection, and more. The average claim is around $3,200.
Do I need receipts?
For claims totalling over $300 in work-related expenses, yes. Keep all receipts for 5 years from the date you lodge your return. Digital copies are accepted.
How much do construction workers usually claim?
The average construction worker claims about $3,200 per year in work-related deductions. Claims well above average are more likely to be audited.