What Office Workers Can Claim
These are the most common deductions the ATO accepts for office 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 Office Workers |
|---|
| Home office expenses (67c/hour or actual costs) |
| Phone and internet (work portion) |
| Laptop and peripherals (work portion, depreciated) |
| Self-education related to your current role |
| Union fees |
| Professional memberships |
| Stationery (if self-purchased) |
| Ergonomic equipment (if required and not provided) |
Average Claim
The typical office worker claims around $1,000 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
The biggest missed deduction for office workers is the home office claim. If you work from home even one day a week, track your hours and claim 67c/hour. Over a year it adds up to $250-500.
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 office workers claim on tax?
Common deductions for office workers include: home office expenses (67c/hour or actual costs), phone and internet (work portion), laptop and peripherals (work portion, depreciated), self-education related to your current role, and more. The average claim is around $1,000.
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 office workers usually claim?
The average office worker claims about $1,000 per year in work-related deductions. Claims well above average are more likely to be audited.