Common Deductions for Nurses — SA
Uniforms, scrubs laundering ($1/load), non-slip shoes, fob watch, stethoscope, AHPRA registration ($185/yr), union fees, WWCC/police check, self-education courses, phone (on-call portion), parking at hospital (shift workers)
Average Claim
The typical nurse claims around $1,500 in work-related deductions per year. If your claim is significantly above this, make sure your records are solid — the ATO data-matches your claim against others in your occupation.
Union Fees — SA
In South Australia, the relevant union is ANMF SA (~$600/yr). Union fees are fully tax deductible.
Registration
AHPRA registration ($185/yr) — deductible in all states
SA-Specific Claims
SA nurses in smaller regional hospitals often cover broader roles — keep a logbook of duties that require specific equipment or training.
How to Claim
Report your deductions at Item D1–D5 in your tax return. Use myTax (free) or a tax agent. Keep receipts for 5 years. Items under $300 get an instant deduction. Items over $300 are depreciated over their effective life.
From 2026–27: The new $1,000 standard deduction means you can claim a flat $1,000 without receipts — or itemise if your actual expenses are higher. Details →
Frequently Asked Questions
What can nurses claim on tax in SA?
Common deductions include: Uniforms, scrubs laundering ($1/load), non-slip shoes, fob watch, stethoscope, AHPRA registration ($185/yr), union fees, WWCC/police check, self-educa. The average claim is $1,500. Union fees (ANMF SA (~$600/yr)) are fully deductible.
How much do nurses usually claim?
The ATO benchmark for nurses is around $1,500 in work-related deductions. Claims well above this attract ATO scrutiny — keep receipts.